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Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 26184

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ana Vukovic

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Guest Editor

Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: early childhood caries; dental public health; special care dentistry; dental anxiety; traumatic dental injuries

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the end of 2019, COVID-19 has been spreading around the globe, becoming an increasing public health concern, challenging societies, reflecting health inequalities, and imposing a heavy burden on health, politic and economic systems globally. As we are entering the third year of the pandemic, a burning question has arisen—what lessons will be learned from this public health crisis? Although the increased availability of vaccines brought a sense of ease, the threats of the disease persist and the pandemic is still ongoing. Unfortunately, these circumstances have caused difficulties in health care provision, and patients are suffering from delayed treatments and out-of-pocket expenses. Moreover, in regions where there are still unclear recommendations on treating asymptomatic patients, no strict instructions about continuing dental care and patient guidelines, no precise algorithms in mother tongue, and unavailable tests and PPE, the concerns surrounding the safety of patient and oral health workers rise. The burden of oral disease, as one of the most prevalent health conditions worldwide, became increasingly obvious during this crisis. Although health workers feel that they have a duty to care for patients who suffer, and worry about them, there is also a sense of responsibility and fear of transmission of the infection, especially in regions where community transmission is high and the vaccination rate is low. The dental health profession should not be marginalized and isolated from mainstream health policies, and, bearing that in mind, oral health professionals should contribute to supporting evidence-based dental science. These challenging times call for new perspectives and more information on how to control SARS-CoV-2 in the dental setting. We urge dental professionals to unite and share local, regional and international results that could help policy makers and dental professionals in decision making.

Dr. Ana Vukovic
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
dental environment
dental personnel
patients
cross-infection
airborne
aerosol
public health
dentistry
epidemiology

Related Special Issue

COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (11 articles)

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with the Level of Knowledge about Biosafety against COVID-19 in Peruvian Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study under a Multivariable Regression Model

by John Santome-Pariona, Gissela Briceño-Vergel, Nancy Córdova-Limaylla, Marysela Ladera-Castañeda, José Huamani-Echaccaya, Rita Tolmos-Valdivia, Juan Huamani-Cantoral, Fredy Solís-Dante, Luis Cervantes-Ganoza and César Cayo-Rojas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 5938; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115938 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2551

Abstract

Aim: Biosafety is a set of preventive measures aimed at controlling risk factors arising from biological, physical, and/or chemical agents. This topic is particularly important in the dental field since saliva is the main biological agent of the transmission of coronavirus. The present study aimed to determine the factors associated with the level of knowledge about biosafety against COVID-19 in Peruvian dentistry students. Materials and Methods: The present observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study evaluated 312 Peruvian dentistry students. A validated 20-question questionnaire was used to measure the level of knowledge. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare levels of knowledge between categories of each variable. A logit model was used to evaluate associated factors such as sex, age, marital status, place of origin, academic year of study, being in the academic upper third, history of COVID-19, and living with vulnerable family members. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered. Results: 36.2%, 31.4%, and 32.4% presented poor, fair, and good knowledge levels, respectively. Students under 25 years of age were 64% less likely to pass the biosafety against COVID-19 questionnaire than students 25 years of age and older (OR = 0.36; CI: 0.20–0.66). Students in the academic upper third were nine times more likely to pass the test than other students (OR = 9.38; CI: 4.61–19.07). Finally, third-year students were 52% less likely to pass the exam than fifth-year students (OR = 0.48; CI: 0.28–0.83). Conclusion: Only a minority of dentistry students had a good level of knowledge about biosafety against COVID-19. Younger and less educated students were more likely to fail the questionnaire. On the other hand, those students with outstanding academic performance were more likely to pass the questionnaire. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

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12 pages, 386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with the Lifestyle of Pediatric Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Milena Oliveira Coutinho, Jorge Lopes Cavalcante Neto, Luiz Humberto Rodrigues Souza, Magno Conceição das Mercês, Denise Vasconcelos Fernandes, Carla César Fontes Leite, Daniel Deivson Alves Portella, Tatiane Targino Gomes Draghi, Klaus Araújo Santos, Laura Emmanuela Lima Costa, Lívia Leite da Silva Macêdo, Larissa de Souza Correia, Caroline da Silva Barbosa, Amália Ivine Costa Santana, Lucinete Sena de Oliveira, Mônica Maria do Nascimento, Rodrigo Alves dos Santos Silva, David dos Santos Calheiros, Victor Artur Barros de Mendonça, Ricardo Franklin de Freitas Mussi, Rafaela Gomes dos Santos, Márcio Costa de Souza, Maria Elizângela Ramos Junqueira, Valdinei de Freitas Rodrigues, Ravena Araújo de Oliveira, Raiane Dourado de Souza and Uiliam dos Santos Lima Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032055 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic and occupational variables with the lifestyle of health professionals in pediatric units during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 407 health professionals working in four pediatric health units in the State of Bahia, northeast Brazil. The Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire and a questionnaire with sociodemographic and employment variables self-applied via Google Forms were used. The final binary logistic regression models revealed significant associations between those who received 3 to 5 minimum wages, without a marital relationship and with more than one employment relationship. Data suggest that these sociodemographic and occupational profiles are more exposed to risky lifestyle behaviors. The findings of this study demonstrated the need for greater attention to the health of health professionals in the pediatric field, as well as the promotion of initiatives that seek to value the work of these professionals and reduce the damage caused to their lifestyle, especially in a pandemic scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

16 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Epidemiological, Preventive and Health Care Knowledge of Dentists from North of the Peruvian Capital about COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study under a Predictive Model

by Flor Aquiles-Barzola, Arturo Verástegui-Sandoval, Heriberto Machco-Pasmiño, Nancy Córdova-Limaylla, Marysela Ladera-Castañeda, Luis Cervantes-Ganoza and César Cayo-Rojas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021020 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1927

Abstract

Aim: In dental practice there is a high risk of contact with fluids that may contain SARS-CoV-2. Salivary secretions in the form of droplets are the main route of infection. The present study aimed to evaluate factors associated with epidemiological, preventive and health care knowledge of dentists from the north of the Peruvian capital about COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This analytical, observational, cross-sectional and prospective study evaluated 142 dental professionals from the Directorate of Integrated Health Networks (DIRIS) in the north of the Peruvian capital during June to August 2022. A validated questionnaire of 20 closed multiple-choice questions was used to measure the level of epidemiological, preventive and health care knowledge about COVID-19. A logit model was used to evaluate the influence of the following variables: age, sex, marital status, children, origin, university of origin, academic degree, work modality, work status and number of training courses. In addition, a predictive model was constructed with the causal variables considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Epidemiological, preventive and health care knowledge about COVID-19 was fair in 17.6%, 34.5% and 57.7%, respectively. Likewise, all the variables analyzed were influential factors. It was observed that being single (OR = 0.05, CI: 0.01–0.26), having studied at a private university (OR = 0.09, CI: 0.023–0.38) and having received four to six trainings on COVID-19 related topics (OR = 0.02, CI: 0.002–0.238) were protective factors against fair knowledge. Conclusions: More than half of the dentists surveyed had fair knowledge about COVID-19. The factors that favored a good level of overall knowledge were: being single, having studied at a private university and having received 4 to 6 training courses on COVID-19-related topics. It is advisable that the competent authorities continue to educate dental professionals with training programs about infection control practices in accordance with the health care work they perform in their specialty. It will also be of utmost importance for the professional to be updated with reliable information accredited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the WHO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

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10 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Implementation and Role of Antigen Rapid Test for COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Units

by Jing Qi, Jia Neng Tan, Soh Heng Hui, Neoh Choo Lim, Titus Lau and Sabrina Haroon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215319 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

As we move into the third year with COVID-19, many countries have attempted to manage the disease as an endemic. However, this is limited by the disease’s morbidity and mortality, the emergence of new strains, and the effectiveness of the vaccine. This brief report describes, evaluates, and discusses the implementation of regular antigen rapid tests (ARTs) for COVID-19 in hemodialysis units. We introduced ARTs during the surge in our hemodialysis units. As compliance with the test was mandatory by regulatory requirements, we surveyed patients and caregivers to measure their acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the ART’s implementation. Acceptability measured confidence and level of comfort when performing ART tests, while appropriateness measured the perception of the necessity of ARTs, safety in the dialysis unit with the implementation of ARTs, and understanding using a Likert scale. Feasibility measured the perception of the timely start of dialysis treatment and the convenience of the test. Our survey found that ARTs were acceptable to 98% of patients and caregivers, with the majority reporting no discomfort. The majority of the patients agreed that ARTs were appropriate and feasible. We reported successful ART implementation in a healthcare setting with no false-positive or transmission within the unit during this period. Nevertheless, the long-term implementation outcome will require further evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

7 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life of Elementary School Students with Type 1 Diabetes in a Developing Country during the COVID Pandemic

by Maja Raicevic, Aleksandar Obradovic, Mira Samardzic, Marija Raicevic, Natasa Curovic Popovic and Sanja Panic Zaric

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214873 - 11 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1163

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a condition that affects all aspects of life, and thus is closely related to the quality of life itself. Dealing with it during the COVID-19 pandemic is a big challenge. A case–control study conducted in Montenegro at the end of 2021 included 87 elementary school students with T1D and 248 of their peers as controls matched by gender. Standardized questionnaires were distributed to participants (Peds-QL Generic core 4.0 questionnaire for all participants and Peds-QL Diabetes Module 3.2 only for cases). Based on them, the results of obtained scores were measured and compared using non-parametric statistical methods in relation to gender, region and type of household. Children with T1D reported lower quality of life comparing to matching controls with lower scores in almost all domains. Differences in the same domains among patients and their classmates were also observed in the different gender subgroups, environment type subgroups and in the central region. Results of the study provide insights to prioritizing actions for children with diabetes care as well as for public healthcare planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

12 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health and Quality of Life among Dental Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Maja Milošević Marković, Milan B. Latas, Srđan Milovanović, Sanja Totić Poznanović, Miloš M. Lazarević, Milica Jakšić Karišik, Jana Đorđević, Zoran Mandinić and Svetlana Jovanović

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114061 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1685

Abstract

Students are particularly vulnerable from the mental health aspect, which was especially recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the impact of COVID-19 on quality of life (QoL) and mental health among dental students. The study was conducted on a sample of 797 students (207 male and 592 female) with an average age of 21.7 ± 2.4, from the School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. The measurements used in the study were the Demographic and Academic Questionnaire, Questionnaire about exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19-Impact on QoL Questionnaire (COV19-QoL), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The mean total score for COV19-QoL was 2.9 ± 0.9, while the diagnostic criteria of GAD-7 and depression met 19.9% and 31.4% of students, respectively. There was a positive and strong correlation between QoL, anxiety, and depression. During COVID-19, predictors for lower perceptions of QoL were female gender and death of close relatives (p = 0.049, p = 0.005, respectively). At the same time, predictors for GAD were female gender, living in dormitories, and death of close relatives (p = 0.019, p = 0.011, p = 0.028, respectively), while for depression they were year of study, living with parents, and death of close relatives due to COVID-19 (p = 0.012, p = 0.008, p = 0.029, respectively). The study showed that students’ QoL and mental health during the pandemic were at high risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

9 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Paediatric Dental Treatment: A Retrospective Study in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Olivera Dolic, Marija Obradovic, Zeljka Kojic, Natasa Knezevic, Natasa Trtic, Valentina Veselinovic and Slava Sukara

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12292; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912292 - 27 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1113

Abstract

Dentists are at significant risk of COVID-19 infection. It was difficult to find a balance between dental care, especially preventive and other non-urgent dental procedures, and prevention of potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental treatment in children in the Dental Clinic of the University of Banja Luka, and to compare it before and during the first and second years of the pandemic. All dental records of paediatric patients who attended the Dental Clinic (for the period March 2019 to March 2022) were analysed. The data on selected dental treatment procedures were divided into three groups per year and compared. The results during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic showed a reduction in single treatments compared to the year before, while in the second year there was an increase in some interventions such as oral hygiene training and patient motivation, deciduous tooth extraction, and glass ionomer filling. Although the number of dental treatments in the clinic in the second year nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, preventive and restorative interventions are the most appropriate strategy to improve the oral health of children after the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

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14 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Impact on Public Dental Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Current Situation and Ongoing Perspectives

by Elmedin Bajrić, Amila Zukanović, Nina Marković, Amra Arslanagić, Amina Huseinbegović, Mediha Selimović-Dragaš, Sedin Kobašlija, Aleksandra Popovac and Dejan Marković

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811816 - 19 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1504

Abstract

Background: As the pandemic time went by in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), various patterns toward COVID-19 itself and its impacts, implementation of prescribed preventive measures among the team members, and those of their patients, including immunization process, have been revealed. These patterns were of both empirical and evidence-based kind and consequently formed dental personnel behavior. The aim was to evaluate and compare the COVID-19 status of dentists in B&H, implementation of prescribed preventive measures, and usage of various kinds of PPE, at the beginning of the pandemics and now, 2.5 years later, including dentists’ current vaccination status, and their opinions and attitudes toward the national COVID-19 economic impact on dental practice. Methodology: Study research was in a form of a cross-sectional longitudinally designed online survey and was conducted in two parts. Results and conclusions: Dental professionals in B&H had a high frequency of COVID-19 symptoms in the second pandemic year. The vaccination status of dentists in B&H was in line with the global average values of vaccinated professionals. Dentists used patient management preventive measures and PPE recommended by WHO, but some preventive measures have been changed and prioritized recently. The economic impact of pandemics on dentistry was predominantly negative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

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11 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Emotional Distress, Sleep Changes, Decreased Tooth Brushing Frequency, Self-Reported Oral Ulcers and SARS-Cov-2 Infection during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey

by Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan, Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuniga, Oliver C. Ezechi, Brandon Brown, Annie L. Nguyen, Nourhan M. Aly, Passent Ellakany, Ifeoma E. Idigbe, Abeedha Tu-Allah Khan, Folake Barakat Lawal, Mohammed Jafer, Balgis Gaffar, Bamidele Olubukola Popoola, Mir Faeq Ali Quadri, Jorma I. Virtanen, Joanne Lusher and Maha El Tantawi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811550 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

This study assessed the association between emotional distress, sleep changes, decreased frequency of tooth brushing, and self-reported oral ulcers, and the association between COVID-19 status and decreased frequency of tooth brushing. Using a cross-sectional online survey, data were collected from adults in 152 countries between July and December 2020. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between dependent (decreased frequency of tooth brushing, oral ulcers, change in sleep pattern) and independent (tested positive for COVID-19, depression, anxiety, frustration/boredom, loneliness, anger, and grief/feeling of loss) variables after adjusting for confounders (age, sex, level of education, employment status). Of the 14,970 participants data analyzed, 1856 (12.4%) tested positive for COVID-19. Respondents who reported feeling depressed (AoR: 1.375), lonely (AoR: 1.185), angry (AoR: 1.299), and experienced sleep changes (AoR:1.466) had significantly higher odds of decreased tooth brushing frequency. Respondents who felt anxious (AoR: 1.255), angry (AoR: 1.510), grief/sense of loss (AoR: 1.236), and sleep changes (AoR: 1.262) had significantly higher odds of oral ulcers. Respondents who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher odds of decreased tooth brushing frequency (AoR: 1.237) and oral ulcers (AoR: 2.780). These findings highlight that the relationship between emotional distress and oral health may intensify during a pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

10 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Oral Lesions Associated with Tobacco Smoking, E-Cigarette Use and COVID-19 Infection among Adolescents and Young People in Nigeria

by Omolola Alade, Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan, Abiola Adeniyi, Yewande Isabella Adeyemo, Afolabi Oyapero, Olubukola Olamide Olatosi, Chioma Nzomiwu, Bamidele Olubukola Popoola, Joycelyn Eigbobo, Elizabeth Oziegbe, Titus Oyedele, Maha El Tantawi and Heba Jafar Sabbagh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710509 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4181

Abstract

COVID-19 infection is associated with oral lesions which may be exacerbated by tobacco smoking or e-cigarette use. This study assessed the oral lesions associated with the use of e-cigarettes, tobacco smoking, and COVID-19 among adolescents and young people in Nigeria. A national survey recruited 11–23-year-old participants from the 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Data were collected using Survey Monkey^®. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Statistical significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. There were 2870 participants, of which 386 (13.4%) were tobacco smokers, 167 (5.8%) e-cigarette users, and 401 (14.0%) were both e-cigarette and tobacco users; and 344 (12.0%) had ever tested positive to COVID-19. Adolescents and young people who smoked tobacco had more than twice the odds of reporting gingival inflammation, oral ulcers, dry mouth, and changes in taste than those who did not smoke. Those who used e-cigarettes had 1.5 times higher odds of reporting oral lesions. Respondents who had COVID-19 infection had higher odds of reporting gingival inflammation and lower odds of reporting dry mouth than those who did not have COVID-19 infection. These findings were significant, and may help clinicians to screen for tobacco use and COVID-19 among adolescents and young people in Nigeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

18 pages, 415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Need for Psychological Support of Health Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Influence on Their Work

by Borja Nicolás Santana-López, Yeray Gabriel Santana-Padilla, María Desamparados Bernat-Adell, Jesús María González-Martín and Luciano Santana-Cabrera

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 8970; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158970 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze how the need for psychological support of health workers (HCWs) influenced the beliefs, perceptions and attitudes towards their work during the COVID-19 pandemic and to predict the need of psychological assistance. A descriptive transversal study was conducted based on a self-administered questionnaire distributed to health professionals working in the Canary Islands, Spain. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared test and the linear trend test. The correlation test between ordinal and frequency variables was applied using Kendall’s Tau B. Multiple logistic regression was used to predict dichotomous variables. The sample included 783 health professionals: 17.8% (n = 139) of them needed psychological or psychiatric support. Being redeployed to other services influenced the predisposition to request psychological help, and HCWs who required psychological support had more negative attitudes and perceptions towards their work. After five waves of COVID-19, these HCWs reported to be physically, psychologically and emotionally exhausted or even “burned out”; they did not feel supported by their institutions. The commitment of health personnel to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic decreased after the five waves, especially among professionals who required psychological support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

14 pages, 1541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Workplace Factors, Burnout Signs, and Clinical Mental Health Symptoms among Mental Health Workers in Lombardy and Quebec during the First Wave of COVID-19

by Filippo Rapisarda, Martine Vallarino, Camille Brousseau-Paradis, Luigi De Benedictis, Marc Corbière, Patrizia Villotti, Elena Cavallini, Catherine Briand, Lionel Cailhol and Alain Lesage

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073806 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3446

Abstract

Several research contributions have depicted the impact of the pandemic environment on healthcare and social care personnel. Even though the high prevalence of burnout depression and anxiety in healthcare settings before COVID-19 has been well documented in the research, the recent increase in psychological distress and mental health issues in healthcare and mental health workers should be attributed to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study is to develop, evaluate, and compare a model of COVID-19 workplace stressors between two different territories, the Italian region of Lombardy and the Canadian province of Quebec. Within this model, burnout is depicted as the strongest determinant of mental health symptoms for mental health workers. In turn, the main workplace determinants of burnout are the perception of a lack of support from the organization and the fear of contracting COVID-19 at work. Findings also provide insights for designing interventions to promote and protect mental health workers in the context of the pandemic. In conclusion, it is necessary to monitor burnout and carefully analyze elements of organizational culture, in addition to offering clinical and psychological care for those in need. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of COVID-19: A Public Health Approach for Health Professionals)

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