Risk Factors of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Pandemic in Regional General Hospital of Baubau City, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic can cause posttraumatic stress symptoms for health workers. This study aims to determine the risk factors for posttraumatic stress in health workers at the Baubau City Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research design used a cross sectional study. A total of 227 health workers with symptoms of posttraumatic stress participated in the study. Data was collected using an anonymous online self-report questionnaire. The research took place between 26 September 2020-19 January 2021 at the Baubau City Hospital. The study used The COVID-19-PTSD Questionnaire, a modified Indonesian version, to assess symptoms of posttraumatic stress in health workers. The results showed 24.23% of health workers with severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress and 75.77% of health workers with mild symptoms of posttraumatic stress. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors associated with severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress were not working or being isolated (p-value = 0.040, OR = 16.464 (95% CI = 1,141-237,667)), feeling avoided by family members and friends (p- value = 0.023, OR = 3.287 (95% CI = 1.180-9.152)) and a high level of fear of COVID-19 (p-value = 0.001, OR = 14.605 (95% CI = 2.899-73.581)). Health workers with a high level of fear of COVID-19, not currently working or being isolated, and feel avoided by family members and friends because work is prone to experiencing severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Psychological intervention and support from family members and friends may be helpful.