Publication
Title
Work stress-related problems in physicians in the time of COVID-19
Author
Abstract
Objectives: Healthcare workers in the emergency department are exposed to a wide range of physical and psycho-social risks or hazards in the workplace. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of exposure to, the occurrence and perceived risks of, and the worry about, occupational hazards among emergency and hospital physicians in the time of COVID. Material and Methods: Based on the review of occupational hazards in emergency physicians, a questionnaire already used and validated in another study, conducted in 2016, was constructed. The questionnaire consisted of both socio-demographic questions and questions regarding the exposure to, the occurrence and perceived risks of, and the worry about, the following occupational hazards: infectious diseases, COVID-19, physical hazards, violence at work, and stressful situations at work that can cause burnout. A total of 497 questionnaires were distributed to Belgian emergency and hospital physicians in April 20–May 26, 2020. Results: Overall, 319 responses (out of 497 questionnaires) were collected, of which 196 were eligible for statistical analysis. Of the respondents, 32% stated to be confronted with violence and 54% to suffer from health problems related to their work. The exposure to, and the occurrence and perceived risks of, occupational hazards and, more specifically, the exposure to COVID-19 (88%) and its occurrence (10%), and also the worry about these hazards, appear to be high in physicians working in the emergency department. The worry about each of these outcomes is predicted by the supposed exposure, occurrence, and perceived risks. Conclusions: The exposure to, and the occurrence and perceived risks of, physical hazards, violence and burnout are generally high in physicians in the time of COVID-19. Emergency and hospital physicians in Belgium worry the most about the impact of violence, burnout and COVID-19.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health / Polish Association of Occupational Medicine; Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine [Lodz] - Lodz, 1994, currens
Publication
Lodz : Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine , 2021
ISSN
1232-1087 [print]
1896-494X [online]
DOI
10.13075/IJOMEH.1896.01674
Volume/pages
34 :3 (2021) , p. 373-383
ISI
000672652800005
Pubmed ID
33559645
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 21.01.2021
Last edited 29.11.2024
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