Relation between Stress and Cognitive Impairment: A Study of a Sample of Healthcare Workers

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are susceptible to stress due to the exhausting nature of their work. This study aimed to assess the degree of work-related stress and its impact on cognitive impairment among HCWs.Methods: This cross-sectional survey-based study included 100 HCWS at Aswan University Hospital, Egypt. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Arabic version of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), the Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive functions respectively. Serum cortisol level was also detected.Results: Stress was mild in 2%, moderate in 86 %, and severe in 12 %. Hamilton anxiety rating scale was normal in 19 (19%), mild in 42 (42%), moderate in 34 (34%), and severe in 5 (5%) participants. Hamilton depression rating scale was normal in 26 (26%), mild in 39 (39%), moderate in 34 (34%), and severe in 1 (1%) participants. Mild cognitive impairment was the most prevalent condition. The correlations between stress parameters (PSS-10, HDRS, HARS, and cortisol level) and the cognitive function scales( MMSE and MoCA) were statistically significant.Conclusions: This study demonstrated the prevalence of mild to moderate stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment among HCWs. In addition, a strong correlation existed between stress and cognitive impairment among HCWs which makes them more liable for early cognitive impairment.