Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Job Burnout and Post Traumatic Growth in Health Workers involved in Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 in Hospitals and Health Centers of South Khorasan

Background and Aims: Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse effects on mental health, along with the potential positive impacts on post-traumatic growth, especially among healthcare workers, this study aims to measure depression, anxiety, stress, occupational burnout, and post-traumatic growth among healthcare workers involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and related healthcare centers in South Khorasan province. Materials and Methods: 180 participants completed an electronic questionnaire containing demographic information along with three questionnaires on anxiety, depression, and stress-21, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. The results were subsequently extracted and statistically analyzed. Results: 89.4% of the participants had moderate and high burnout levels. Overall, 12.78% experienced severe stress and 10.56% experienced very severe stress. 22.22% had moderate depression symptoms, 6.67% had severe depression symptoms and 14.44% had very severe depression symptoms. Anxiety symptoms were moderate in 18.89%, severe in 10% and very severe in 19.44%. The average growth after the accident was 62.73±17.07. There was a significant relationship between some demographic factors and psychological factors of the study (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated significant levels of burnout, depression, anxiety and, stress in the participants, which are critical considering the potential negative effects on work performance, physical health and overall well-being. Therefore, according to the findings of this study, despite the occurrence of some degrees of post-traumatic growth, there is a serious need for comprehensive mental health support and strategies to prevent psychological distress in similar crises for the participants.