The Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers After the COVID-19 Vaccinations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequencies of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Turkey after the COVID-19 vaccinations and to evaluate the associated factors. Methods: AAAcross-sectional online survey was conducted in Turkey between November and December 2021. We used a demographic data form, COVID-19 vaccination status, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the National Stressful Events Survey post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Short Scale. Results: A total of 1013 HCWs participated in the study. Women constituted 68.5% of the participants, 65.4% were physicians, 32.5% had histories of COVID-19, and 98.0% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Depressive symptoms were exhibited by 50.3% of the HCWs, while 35.7% exhibited anxiety, 44.6% insomnia, and 12.0% PTSD symptoms. Nurses reported significantly greater depression (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), insomnia (p<0.001), and PTSD (p<0.001) symptoms than physicians did. No statistically significant association was determined in terms of the reporting of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms and receipt of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms among health workers decreased from the beginning of the pandemic, although the prevalence of these symptoms was still high. Nurses exhibited greater depressive, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms than physicians. Receipt or non-receipt of vaccination, or the number of doses involved, caused no difference in terms of mental health.