Psychologic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Hospital Staff of the Nouvelle Aquitaine Area

Psychologic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Hospital Staff of the Nouvelle Aquitaine Area : a Prospective Longitudinal Study by Self-administered Questionnaires

Evaluation of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital staff in the French Nouvelle Aquitaine area, through a longitudinal study with repeated self-administered psychologic scales

Evaluation of the psychological impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on hospital personnel in Nouvelle Aquitaine. IMPSY-COV Upon recent outbreaks of new diseases (SARS, MERS-CoV, Ebola) have led to the emergence of psychiatric disorders in healthcare workers , such as post-traumatic stress , anxiety (e.g., panic attacks) or depressive episodes. Observed similarities in between propagation patterns of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS, alow us to expect the occurence of similar psychiatric disorders in COVID-19 context to those described (Vignaud, Prieto, 2020). The study is set up to assess the psychological state of hospital personnel in the working conditions of treating COVID-19 suffering patients.

87000 hospital staff workers from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region will be invited to take part in the study. This includes medical and non-medical professionals from general and psychiatric hospitals exposed to COVID-19.

Study design. The protocol shows two phases and five measurement timepoints. In the initial phase (T0), eligible persons will be contacted via email. Those wishing to participate will then consent, answer socio-demographic questions and a series of psychology questionnaires. In the longitudinal phase, participants will be again invited to answer the same series of questionnaires four times: one month after the initial phase (T1), 3 months after (T2), 6 months after (T3) and 12 months after (T4).

Statistical analysis. In order to identify the consequences generated by COVID-19 in hospital personnel through a longitudinal protocol, several statistical analyses are considered, including logistic and linear regressions as well as ANOVA and MANOVA.

Expected outcomes. The study will assess the occurrence and the evolution of psychological distress and identify vulnerability factors that may trigger psychiatric disorders in these situations. The study will also provide an opportunity to improve the supporting actions of professionals affected by the crisis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or more
• hospital workers exposed to COVID-19
• consented to participate to the study
• master the french langage
• Understanding of type, objectives and study methology
• accept an on-line evaluation
• Benefit from health insurance

Exclusion Criteria:

• refuse to participate
• pregnant or breastfeeding woman
• Be under measure of legal protection: guardianship, curatorship or safeguard of justice.