THỰC TRẠNG CĂNG THẲNG TÂM LÝ VÀ CÁC YẾU TỐ ẢNH HƯỞNG ĐẾN NHÂN VIÊN Y TẾ TRONG CÔNG TÁC PHÒNG CHỐNG DỊCH TẠI THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the level of psychological stress and identify factors associated with stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in COVID-19 prevention and control activities in Ho Chi Minh City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2021 among 271 HCWs working in the preventive medicine sector at the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC). The DASS-21 scale (7-item stress subscale) was used to assess stress levels. In-depth analyses were performed on 154 HCWs whose stress levels ranged from “Moderate” to “Extremely Severe.” Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 56.8% of HCWs reported moderate to extremely severe stress. Among these, severe stress accounted for the largest proportion (59.7%), while extremely severe stress was observed in 15.6%. The most influential factor contributing to stress was work-related characteristics (Mean Score = 2.94), with the primary concern being “infecting others” (Mean Score = 3.51). Family-related factors ranked second (Mean Score = 2.70), followed by personal factors (Mean Score = 2.48) and social factors (Mean Score = 2.42). The three most significant specific stressors identified were “job position” (Mean Score = 3.53), “infecting others” (Mean Score = 3.51), and “lack of time for child care” (Mean Score = 3.42). Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological stress among preventive healthcare workers was alarmingly high (56.8%), with the majority experiencing severe levels of stress. Work-related factors (fear of infection, income instability) and family-related factors (lack of time for children) were identified as the primary sources of stress.