Physiological and Perceived Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Burnout Among ICU Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden-An Observational Study.

PURPOSE

To measure chronic, physiological stress using hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) among ICU staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, and to evaluate its relationship with perceived stress (PS), anxiety, and depression, and burnout.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HCC was measured in hair samples of 274 individuals. We tested for differences between females versus males, nurses versus non-nursing, and ordinary versus deployed staff. PS, anxiety, depression, and burnout were measured using validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

Median HCC was 32.6 pg/mg [IQR 21.3-62.3] reflecting physiological stress over 3 months. There were no differences due to sex, profession, and deployment status. Anxiety was detected in 19% and depression in 4% of participants. PS score (23.5 [18.25-29.0]) was higher than previously reported normative data. Burnout was driven by low personal accomplishment. No correlations were found between HCC and PS, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic, physiological stress measured as HCC was not different due to sex, profession or deployment status. Anxiety and burnout were frequent and depression was reported by a minority. HCC did not correlate with PS, anxiety, depression or burnout.