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The current study aimed to explore the psychological impact that is imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers in Jordan.
A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to collect data from healthcare workers in Jordan using a self-reported questionnaire. The target population consisted of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other hospital staff who work in private and government hospitals. The data was collected over eight weeks and was conducted while the confirmed and suspect COVID-19 cases in Jordan expanded quickly. Along with the increased curve and the recommendations of the WHO to maintain social distance and avoid interpersonal contact, an online survey was used for the data collection.
The questionnaire consisted of four sections: Demographic data, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index. The participants were given a brief overview of the study’s purpose and process. Besides, their right to participate freely was assured by clicking a “continue to survey” link. All responses were handled confidentially and anonymously, and all data were stored securely in the primary investigator’s personal computer. No one had access to the data except for the research team.
General demographic information was obtained, including age, gender, Marital status, educational level, specialty (clinical work area), length of employment (experience), and scheduled work pattern. The Participants were asked about their worries and coping strategies, history of anxiety or depression, family history of anxiety or depression, personal protective equipment (PPE) availability, and receiving any educational sessions about new COVID-19 precaution measures in their hospitals.
The self-rated anxiety scale (SAS) is a self-administered Likert questionnaire ranging from 1 (none of the time) to 4 (most of the time). The SAS consists of 20-items, 15 of them about increased anxiety level, and five items about decreased anxiety level. Overall the minimum score is 20 and the highest is 80, higher scores suggesting higher anxiety levels. The index anxiety score ranges from 25 to 100, with an acceptable cutoff point of 3 50.