International Journal of Nursing

Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Nurses during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of Coping Strategies
Dafogianni Chrysoula, Pappa Despoina, Koutelekos Ioannis, Mangoulia Polyxeni, Ferentinou Eftychia, Margari Nikoletta

Abstract
Introduction: Nurses who face a public health threat globally are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression trying to use specific coping strategies to be as effective as possible in providing health care. Aim: To evaluate stress, anxiety and depression levels of nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic in Greek hospitals and to analyze coping strategies used more or less frequently by them. Methods: 130 Greek nurses completed online questionnaires about positive and negative attitude, resilience level, optimistic thoughts and stress, anxiety and depression questions during their daily practice working with patients who obtained or not coronavirus disease. According to these scales‘ scores, there was a further correlation with specific coping strategies. Results: 43.8% of the sample was working in reception of confirmed or possible coronavirus cases. 36.2% of the population experienced mild to extremely severe stress symptoms and one-third of them reported quite the same levels of depression and anxiety respectively. Behavioral disengagement, substance use, seeking support and avoidance were significantly and positively associated with the Stress subscale, while higher optimism and higher resilience were significantly associated with less depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Conclusions: Early recognition of symptoms of mental disorder and their proper treatment can be crucial for nurses‘ strengthening. Educational and supportive programs could be beneficial to provide the best care to these patients.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v8n1a1