Coping styles and mental health in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Journal
Academic Medical Journal
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Kunovski, Ivo
DOI
https://www.doi.org/10.53582/AMJ2333030k
Abstract
Introduction: There is limited research on the factors influencing mental health of
healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that coping styles variably
influence the severity of mental health symptoms. However, no data is available on the
effects of coping styles on mental health of healthcare workers in North Macedonia and the
wider region of Southeast Europe.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted with 342
participants during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants provided
sociodemographic data and were assessed in regard to coping styles, and symptoms of
depression, anxiety and stress. Associations between the variables were examined using
nonparametric tests, and their additive effects were tested using generalized linear models.
Results: Identifying as a woman, single, and of younger age was associated with
higher levels of mental health symptoms. The coping styles that contributed to poor mental
health outcomes included the use of active coping, instrumental support, substance use,
venting, behavioral disengagement, self-blame, and the low use of emotional support and
humor.
Conclusion: The findings help identify vulnerable populations, and add to the
growing research on gender differences in the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers.
The study may help in the development of mental health prevention programs for populations
at risk during health crises.
healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that coping styles variably
influence the severity of mental health symptoms. However, no data is available on the
effects of coping styles on mental health of healthcare workers in North Macedonia and the
wider region of Southeast Europe.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted with 342
participants during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants provided
sociodemographic data and were assessed in regard to coping styles, and symptoms of
depression, anxiety and stress. Associations between the variables were examined using
nonparametric tests, and their additive effects were tested using generalized linear models.
Results: Identifying as a woman, single, and of younger age was associated with
higher levels of mental health symptoms. The coping styles that contributed to poor mental
health outcomes included the use of active coping, instrumental support, substance use,
venting, behavioral disengagement, self-blame, and the low use of emotional support and
humor.
Conclusion: The findings help identify vulnerable populations, and add to the
growing research on gender differences in the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers.
The study may help in the development of mental health prevention programs for populations
at risk during health crises.
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