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Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology & Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 14650

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bogdana Nasui

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Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: lifestyle; nutrition; public health; epidemiology of chronic diseases
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Dr. Codruța Popescu

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Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Human Sciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: mental health; quality of life; well-being of students
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We thank authors who submitted valuable original articles to the previous Special Issue, ‘Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19’, which undeniably benefited the research community. In light of this success, we now present the second edition of this Special Issue.

The COVID-19 pandemic induced many changes in the lifestyles of people of all ages. Many countries adopted measures to restrict individuals’ movement as part of efforts to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19. These measures led to social isolation, working from home, the home-schooling of children and students, and a lack of physical activity. Social distancing and sedentary behaviors are associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, low mood and sleep disturbances. Sedentary behaviors and screen time may also be associated with nutrition changes and weight gain. Moreover, remote working has continued after the pandemic as an alternative to physical work, or in hybrid working modes in some economic areas. It has been demonstrated that acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) can trigger the presentation or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. In addition, the consequences of the pandemic must be evaluated with regard to people who suffered from functional limitations before COVID-19, as their physical and mental condition may have been affected by the pandemic.

In this Special Issue, we will discuss the long-term impacts of lifestyle changes on and the consequences of the pandemic for human health to improve patient quality of life.

Dr. Bogdana Nasui
Guest Editor

Dr. Codruta Popescu
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

lifestyle changes
weight gain
physical activity
remote working
distance learning
mental health
autoimmune diseases
chronic diseases

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Research

18 pages, 1014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sleep Quality and Associated Lifestyle Factors Among Medical Students Before and After the COVID-19 Era—A Comparative Study from Romania

by Bogdana Adriana Năsui, Lorena Gorgan, Codruța Alina Popescu, Nina Ciuciuc, Alexandra-Ioana Roșioară, Dana Manuela Sîrbu, Monica Popa, Daniela Curșeu, Ileana Monica Borda and Rodica Ana Ungur

Medicina 2026, 62(5), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050880 - 4 May 2026

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sleep is a vital psychological function for health and well-being in all age groups, from children to adolescents, to adults and the elderly, and impacts quality of life. This study evaluated temporal changes in sleep quality and lifestyle behaviors among medical students in North-Western Romania (Transylvania) between the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic period. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 709 medical students assessed during the first pandemic wave (2020) and the 2023–2024 academic year. Online questionnaires collected data on demographics, body mass index (BMI), substance use, and physical activity. Sleep quality was measured using the validated Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and multiple linear regression was performed to identify predictors of sleep outcomes. Results: Post-pandemic data revealed a significant decline in sleep quality, with female gender and lower academic performance identified as significant predictors of insomnia symptoms (R² of 0.258, p < 0.05). While physical activity levels improved significantly in 2024 compared to the confinement period, this was accompanied by increased fast-food consumption and a rise in overweight and obesity rates. Conversely, illicit drug use decreased, and alcohol consumption patterns shifted, characterized by reduced weekly frequency among females but persistent binge drinking episodes. Conclusions: The transition to post-pandemic education yielded mixed health outcomes; while physical activity rebounded, sleep quality and nutritional status deteriorated. These findings highlight the necessity for university-based interventions focusing on sleep hygiene, nutrition, and stress management to support the well-being of medical students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 323 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Hidden Cost of Delay: Post-Pandemic Evolution of Advanced Ovarian Cancer Profiles

by Alexandru Marius Petrusan, Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier, Calin Muntean, Vasile Gaborean, Andrei Stefan Petrusan, Delia Nicoara, Emil Marius Puscas, Florin Laurentiu Ignat and Patriciu Achimas-Cadariu

Medicina 2026, 62(3), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030598 - 21 Mar 2026

Viewed by 557

Abstract

Background and Objectives: High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, with outcomes heavily dependent on early diagnosis and timely multimodal treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted oncologic care, leading to diagnostic delays, modified treatment algorithms, and deferred surgeries. This study aimed to assess how these disruptions influenced disease presentation, surgical complexity, and postoperative outcomes during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods in a Romanian tertiary oncology center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center cohort analysis was conducted on 112 patients with histologically confirmed HGSOC who underwent surgical treatment between 26 February 2020 and 25 February 2024. The cohort was divided into two equal groups: a pandemic cohort (2020–2022) and a post-pandemic cohort (2022–2024). Clinical, pathological, and therapeutic parameters were compared, including FIGO and T staging, surgical duration, ICU admissions, and treatment intervals. Results: The post-pandemic period was marked by a significant rise in advanced-stage presentations (FIGO IV: 17.8% vs. 33.9%, p = 0.003), peritoneal carcinomatosis (58.9% vs. 82.1%, p = 0.004), and multiorgan invasion (7.1% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.039). Mean operative time increased significantly post-pandemic (94.0 ± 36.3 vs. 123.5 ± 52.5 min, p = 0.003), as did ICU admissions (35.7% vs. 60.7%, p = 0.002). While the number of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy cycles remained consistent between cohorts, a greater surgical complexity and longer postoperative recovery characterized the post-pandemic cases, suggesting cumulative disease progression and increased treatment demands. Conclusions: The findings indicate an association between the post-pandemic period and more advanced disease profiles at presentation, as well as increased surgical complexity, highlighting potential long-term effects of healthcare disruption. These results highlight the necessity for resilient cancer care systems emphasizing early detection, multidisciplinary coordination, and adaptive treatment models to mitigate future systemic disruptions and preserve survival outcomes in women with HGSOC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

17 pages, 1588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Reconfiguration of the Time-Valid Cohort and Stage-Specific Reversal of Prehospital Time–Outcome Associations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Chiwon Ahn, Jae Hwan Kim and Young Taeck Oh

Medicina 2026, 62(2), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020302 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 458

Abstract

Background and Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, worsening outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been widely reported and are often attributed to prolonged prehospital system delays. However, little attention has been paid to whether the population of patients with analyzable prehospital time data—the time-valid cohort—itself changed during the pandemic, or to how such changes may have influenced the observed association between prehospital time and outcomes. To examine structural changes in the time-valid OHCA cohort across pandemic phases, and to evaluate phase-specific associations between call-to-emergency department (ER) time and neurological outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective observational study using a Korean OHCA registry from 2016 to 2022 (n = 217,356). Patients with logically consistent prehospital time intervals from arrest recognition to ER arrival were defined as the time-valid cohort (n = 62,240). Pandemic phases were categorized as pre-pandemic (2016–2019), early pandemic (2020), and prolonged pandemic (2021–2022). Changes in cohort composition were assessed descriptively and visually. Associations between call-to-ER time (per 10-min increase) and good neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1–2) were evaluated using phase-stratified logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and initial rhythm. Results: The time-valid cohort consisted exclusively of witnessed arrests throughout the study period. As the pandemic progressed, the cohort became older (median age increased from 70 to 72 years), and the proportion of shockable rhythm declined from 21.7% in the pre-pandemic period to 17.5% in the prolonged pandemic period. The proportion of good neurological outcomes decreased from 9.3% to 6.8%. Before the pandemic, longer call-to-ER time was associated with a lower likelihood of a good neurological outcome (odds ratio [OR] per 10-min increase, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.88). This association was attenuated during the early pandemic phase (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–1.00) and reversed during the prolonged pandemic phase (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.10). Conclusions: Changes in the association between prehospital time and neurological outcome during the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be interpreted as the effect of system delay alone. Instead, these findings should be understood in the context of substantial structural reconfiguration of the time-valid OHCA cohort, which became progressively older and physiologically less favorable across the pandemic’s phases. Consideration of cohort structure is essential when interpreting prehospital time–outcome relationships during large-scale system disruptions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surgical Site Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance: Six Years of Data from a Western Romanian Hospital

by Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier, Ana Teodor, Calin Muntean, Oliana Cristina Faităr, Corina Iuliana Cilibiu, Narcisa Jianu, Delia Muntean, Valentina Buda, Vasile Gaborean and Marius Murariu

Medicina 2026, 62(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010108 - 3 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 921

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a new challenge to hospital infection prevention measures and to the antimicrobial therapies adopted. The present study aimed to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of surgical site infection (SSI) rates and the variations in the microbiological profiles of the SSI. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted to examine data from patients who underwent conventional surgical procedures and developed SSI. The study was conducted at the First Surgery Clinic of the “Pius Brinzeu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania. Data from 173 patients were analyzed over six years (from 26 February 2018 to 25 February 2024). The selected time interval was divided into three periods: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic. Results: During the pandemic, the average patient age was significantly lower than in the other periods. The average length of stay decreased consistently over the six-year study period. Among the 173 patients included in the study, 71.1% had a monobacterial infection, while the remaining 28.9% had infections involving at least two different bacteria. The two most commonly identified bacteria in more than 50% of the cases were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp. There was a significant decrease in bacterial resistance to levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin over the study period, with resistance dropping from 50% (pre-pandemic) and 53.3% (pandemic) to just 9.1% (post-pandemic). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially altered the SSI profile in our institution. The temporary increase in SSI frequency during the pandemic was likely related to shifts in surgical case mix and care delivery, rather than decreased infection control performance. Post-pandemic restoration of surgical flow coincided with improved antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, particularly for fluoroquinolones. Microbiological surveillance, the use of infection prevention measures, and robust stewardship initiatives remain essential to maintain these favorable trends and mitigate the emergence of future resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 1050 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life and Functional Status in Individuals with Persistent Post-COVID Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Comparison by Reported Rehabilitation

by Michal Macej, Cyril Grus, Jakub Čuj, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová, Wioletta Bronislawa Mikuľaková, Anna Kubincová and Peter Takáč

Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122214 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 785

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC, long COVID) is associated with persistent symptoms and marked reductions in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but real-world data on rehabilitation and everyday functioning remain limited. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey conducted between 15 April and 15 May 2024, we analysed 406 adults (308 women; mean age 36.0 ± 12.1 years) with ongoing post-COVID symptoms recruited from two moderator-supervised support communities. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and clinical items, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale. Participants indicated whether they had completed any form of rehabilitation targeting post-COVID problems (yes/no). Group differences were examined using Welch’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U and χ² tests, as appropriate. Multiple linear regression models with Bonferroni correction were used to explore associations between rehabilitation status, age, sex, symptom duration and outcomes. Results: Overall, 182 respondents (44.8%) reported rehabilitation and 224 (55.2%) did not. The groups did not differ significantly in age, sex distribution, BMI, number of infections, symptom duration or hospitalisation history. Most SF-36 domains, component summaries and PCFS differed significantly between groups, with small-to-large effects favouring respondents who reported rehabilitation. The largest effect sizes were observed for Vitality and Mental Health, whereas Physical Functioning showed no clear difference. In multivariable models, older age and longer symptom duration were consistently associated with poorer HRQoL, while rehabilitation status remained a robust correlate of better scores in several SF-36 domains, both component summaries, perceived health, and lower PCFS grades after correction for multiple testing. Conclusions: Although the cross-sectional design, self-reported data and non-standardised rehabilitation exposure preclude causal inference, the findings highlight the substantial HRQoL and functional burden of long COVID and suggest that, within a symptomatic population, reported completion of rehabilitation is positively associated with multiple aspects of everyday health and functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1053 KB

Open AccessArticle

Twelve-Month Health-Related Quality of Life Recovery Following COVID-19 Hospitalization: A Prospective Cohort Study from Lithuania

by Edita Strumiliene, Laura Malinauskiene, Birute Zablockiene and Ligita Jancoriene

Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091657 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1238

Abstract

Background and Objectives: As SARS-CoV-2 transitions toward endemic circulation, understanding long-term health impacts on quality of life (HRQoL) is critical for healthcare planning. While most longitudinal HRQoL studies originate from Western settings, data from Central and Eastern Europe remain scarce. This study aimed to track HRQoL changes over 12 months and explore the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of recovery in Lithuania. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 93 adults hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19 at Vilnius University Hospital from October 2021 to October 2022. HRQoL was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Longitudinal changes were analyzed using non-parametric tests, with minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) applied. Multivariable regression identified predictors of 12-month outcomes. Results: Ninety-three participants (mean age 58.2 years; 53.8% female; 60.2% with critical disease; 95.7% unvaccinated) completed all follow-up visits. Seven of eight SF-36 domains showed clinically meaningful improvement over 12 months, most notably Bodily Pain (+18.8 points, r = 0.41), General Health (+14.6, r = 0.42), and Social Functioning (+10.4, r = 0.38). Role-Emotional improved minimally (+3.6, r = 0.16). Better Physical Functioning at 12 months was independently associated with male sex, employment, and fewer comorbidities. HRQoL scores remained below age-matched population norms. Only 12.9% accessed structured (Stage II) rehabilitation. Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive 12-month SF-36–based HRQoL assessment among hospitalized COVID-19 survivors in Central and Eastern Europe. Most domains improved significantly; however, emotional and social deficits persisted. Interpretation is limited by the single-center design, absence of pre-COVID baseline data, and use of a generic HRQoL measure. Low rehabilitation uptake underscores gaps in post-COVID care, highlighting the need for integrated, equity-focused recovery programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1506 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on New Lung Cancer Diagnosis in Mureș County, Romania: A 5-Year Retrospective, Comprehensive Study

by Georgian-Nicolae Radu, Laura Chinezu, Ramona Teodora Cătană, Petre Carabașa and Adela Nechifor-Boilă

Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091548 - 29 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lung cancer (LC) remains a significant global health issue with poor prognosis. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in cancer patient management worldwide. However, its impact on the incidence of LCs in Romania has not yet been discussed. We aimed to evaluate the impact of lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on new LC diagnoses in a Romanian cohort and the potential associations between demographic characteristics and histological features. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 750 patients with lung tumors diagnosed in the Pathology Department, Mureș County Clinical Hospital, Romania, between 2018 and 2022. The target population was divided in two cohorts: pre-COVID-19 (1 January 2018–15 March 2020) and COVID-19 (16 March 2020–31 December 2022). Results: The temporal trend of LC diagnosis followed a descending pattern over the study period, with a significant 72% reduction (p < 0.001) in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 vs. 2019). In terms of histology, several subtypes displayed a notable reduction in the COVID-19 cohort compared to the pre-pandemic period: squamous carcinoma (SQC) (p < 0.001), adenocarcinoma (ADK) (p < 0.001), and lung metastases (p = 0.0008). On the other hand, cases of non-small-cell lung carcinomas not otherwise specified (NSCLCs NOS) experienced a significant increase in the pandemic years (p = 0.0406). SQC was the most frequent subtype of LC and was significantly more frequent in men (p < 0.001, RR = 1.3004, 95% CI [1.1786–1.4347]). Furthermore, a notable shift in the male-to-female ratio was observed between the two cohorts, caused by a larger decrease in the incidence of LC among men compared to females in the COVID-19 period (p = 0.0002; pre-COVID-19 M/F = 4/1 versus COVID-19 M/F = 2/1). Conclusions: COVID-19-related restrictions led to a significant drop in new LC diagnoses during the first year of the pandemic, which was followed by a slight upward trend in the subsequent years. Additionally, the sharp decline in the number of cases among men narrowed the gender gap in LC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 945 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Social Connections and Family in Adolescent Mental Health in the Transylvanian Population of Romania

by Alexandra-Ioana Roșioară, Bogdana Adriana Năsui, Nina Ciuciuc, Dana Manuela Sîrbu, Daniela Curșeu, Ștefan Cristian Vesa, Codruța Alina Popescu and Monica Popa

Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061031 - 2 Jun 2025

Viewed by 2107

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study explores gender variations in the associations between lifestyle choices, mental health, and social behaviors among adolescents in the Transylvania region of Romania. The analysis is based on data obtained through the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Materials and Methods: Data on 900 Romanian adolescents aged 11–18 years were obtained via the GSHS. This study evaluated nutritional statuses through BMI Z-scores, employing World Health Organization (WHO) cut-offs applied to self-reported height and weight; furthermore, it assessed well-being and perceived health; worries and sleep anxiety; social connections through having friends, loneliness, peer support, and emotional support; parental bonding relations; experiences of being bullied; safety and protection factors, including distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and testing or vaccinations for COVID-19; and social behaviors, including the use of social networks. A multiple logistic regression was used to predict sleep disturbance anxiety, depending on sex, bullying, cyberbullying, loneliness, social network use, and peer support. Results: Results showed that the majority of the adolescents reported having one or more friends (96.8%), with no significant difference between girls and boys (p = 0.071). There were no statistically significant differences in bullying and cyberbullying experiences between sexes (p = 0.063). Notably, gender disparities exist in both health perceptions and risk behaviors, with girls experiencing higher rates of negative health perceptions, sleep anxiety (p < 0.001), and loneliness (p = 0.011) and boys exhibiting more overweight/obesity (p < 0.001) and school truancy (p = 0.027). According to the results, loneliness is significantly associated with a higher likelihood of sleep-disturbing anxiety (p < 0.001). Students who have experienced cyberbullying are more likely to also experience traditional bullying. Students who feel lonely are more likely to be victims of bullying. Conclusions: This study reveals significant gender disparities in adolescent health, particularly in mental health, risk behaviors, and social support. It highlights the need for gender-specific interventions to address these challenges and promote healthy development. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of social connections, family support, and parental involvement in adolescent well-being. Addressing bullying, promoting mental health awareness, and providing accessible support services are crucial for improving adolescent health in Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 324 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biomarker Patterns and Their Association with Lung Injury in COVID-19 Patients

by Alexandru Constantin Sîrbu, Anca Daniela Farcaș, Ioana Corina Bocsan, Maria Adriana Neag, Ștefan Cristian Vesa, Șoimița Mihaela Suciu and Anca Dana Buzoianu

Medicina 2025, 61(5), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050931 - 21 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1311

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The study investigates the relationship between accessible biomarkers and the extent of lung damage, assessed with computed tomography (CT) imaging, in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted in a hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and it includes 111 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 during the Delta and Omicron waves. We evaluated the association of affordable lab works, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, ferritin, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, D-dimers, and albumin levels, with the extents of lung injury, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, and thoracic adenopathy. Results: Our data show that high CRP, neutrophil counts, ferritin, and procalcitonin levels, combined with lower lymphocyte and albumin levels, were significantly associated with >25% lung damage (p < 0.05). Elevated ferritin (≥274 ng/mL) and neutrophil counts (≥5.2 × 10⁹/L) were independently associated with this threshold. CRP (≥2.67 mg/dL), CRP/albumin ratio (≥0.736), and ferritin had the highest sensitivity (86.8%). D-dimer was the sole biochemical marker associated with pulmonary embolism (p = 0.036). Pleural effusion was independently associated with lymphocyte count (cut-off < 0.605 × 10⁹/L, p = 0.013). Thoracic lymphadenopathy was also associated with increased neutrophil counts and a heightened inflammatory response. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ferritin and the CRP/albumin ratio can serve as indicators for patients with extensive parenchymal damage. D-dimer levels were the only ones significantly associated with thromboembolic events, while lymphopenia appears to be a useful indicator of pleural involvement. Thus, these readily available biomarkers can prove useful in anticipating radiological severity in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

17 pages, 599 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coping Strategies Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Emotional Responses, Challenges, and Adaptive Practices

by Aida Puia, Sorina Rodica Pop, Bianca Olivia Cojan Manzat, Sebastian Pintea, Ion Cosmin Puia and Mihaela Fadgyas-Stanculete

Medicina 2025, 61(2), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020311 - 11 Feb 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4330

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare workers, leading to significant psychological distress, altered health-related behaviors, and reliance on various coping mechanisms. Understanding these impacts is critical for developing targeted interventions to support healthcare professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological stressors, emotional responses, changes in healthy behaviors, and coping mechanisms employed by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further examined differences across demographic and professional groups and explored correlations between stressors, coping strategies, and emotional outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 338 healthcare workers, including physicians and nurses, in urban and rural healthcare settings during the pandemic. Data were collected using validated instruments to measure emotional responses (anxiety and anger), lifestyle behaviors (dietary habits, sleep patterns, physical activity, and smoking), and coping strategies. Statistical analyses included descriptive, inferential, and correlation techniques to assess relationships between variables. Results: Fear of infecting family members (M = 3.36, SD = 0.86) and concerns about inadequate protective equipment (M = 2.80, SD = 0.95) were the most significant stressors, strongly associated with heightened anxiety and anger. Changes in healthy behaviors were observed: 69.2% maintained a healthy meal schedule, 56.5% reported disrupted sleep patterns, and only 39.6% engaged in regular physical activity. Among smokers (27.5%), 31.1% increased smoking as a maladaptive coping strategy, while 21.1% reduced smoking. Nurses predominantly relied on emotion-focused strategies, such as religious coping and venting, whereas physicians favored problem-focused strategies like planning and active coping. Social support emerged as a protective factor, mitigating stress and facilitating adaptive coping. Conclusions: The study revealed significant psychological and behavioral impacts on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key stressors included the fear of infecting family members, concerns about inadequate protective measures, and the prolonged uncertainty of the pandemic, which contributed to heightened levels of anxiety and anger. Changes in healthy behaviors, such as disrupted sleep patterns, decreased physical activity, and increased reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms, further underscored the multifaceted challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Although the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, the long-term consequences on the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers remain critical concerns. Further research is essential to develop effective strategies for monitoring, preventing, and addressing psychological distress among healthcare professionals, ensuring their preparedness for future public health crises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact on Human Health, Lifestyle and Quality of Care After COVID-19, 2nd Edition)

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