Direct and Indirect Effects of Risk Perception and Risk Information on PTSD in Frontline Healthcare Workers.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 Delta variant caused an outbreak in Guangdong in mid-May 2021. The risk information and risk perception of COVID-19 have been considered factors associated with mental health statuses, especially posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in frontline healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the interactive relationship in risk information and risk perception of COVID-19 and PTSD in healthcare personnel from the emergency department.

DESIGN

We conducted a survey one month after the outbreak. A cross-sectional survey design is adopted, and 3078 participants are enrolled. The PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), risk information questionnaire, and risk perception questionnaire are utilized to collect data.

METHODS

Bivariate correlation analysis and structural equation modelling are performed to analyze the mediating role of risk perception in the relationship between risk information and PTSD.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of PTSD among frontline healthcare workers is 28.2%. The risk information for COVID-19, risk perception, and PTSD symptoms are mutually correlated. The specific paths from risk perception to PTSD show significant effects, in which two had negative effects and one had a positive effect. The risk perception feature in 2020 differed from that in 2019, which is largely due to the risk perception of the virus.

CONCLUSION

The estimated prevalence of PTSD among frontline healthcare workers remains high. Risk information for COVID-19 has dual effects on PTSD through the mediation of risk perceptions. Unfamiliarity with the SAR-COVID-2 Delta variant increased the risk perception of COVID-19. Effective risk communication regarding COVID-19 can have a positive effect on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers.