The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on healthcare workers worldwide. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases from December 2019 to June 2021. Studies reporting on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were included.
Results: A total of 127 studies involving 158,318 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates were as follows: anxiety (34.4%), depression (31.8%), stress (45.0%), burnout (40.3%), and PTSD (21.5%). Frontline healthcare workers had significantly higher rates of all mental health outcomes compared to non-frontline workers.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound negative impact on the mental health of healthcare workers globally. Urgent interventions are needed to support their psychological well-being.
Keywords
COVID-19; Healthcare workers; Mental health; Anxiety; Depression; Burnout; Systematic review; Meta-analysis