Prevalence and Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Insomnia among Medical Staff during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 known as (COVID-19) pandemic has a great public concern with major psychological distress, especially on the medical staff. Aim of work: The present study aimed at improving the medical staff’s mental health and productivity through assessing the prevalence, risk factors, and relationship of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and insomnia among Egyptian medical staff. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 390 Egyptian medical staff including physicians and nurses using web-based survey between 29th June and 22nd July 2020. The questionnaire included personal and professional questions, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Insomnia Severity Index. Results: The study results displayed that the prevalence of PTSD and insomnia were 55.9% and 78.7%; respectively with a significant positive correlation between PTSD and insomnia scores (r=0.614, p value =0.000). Significant predictors of PTSS were gender (female) (OR: 1.971; 95% CI, 1.231–3.155; p < 0.05) and age (OR: 0.958; 95% CI, 0.922–0.995; p < 0.05), worrying about getting infected (OR: 2.355; 95% CI, 1.082–5.126; p < 0.05), and having insomnia (OR: 5.639; 95% CI, 3.146–10.108; p < 0.05). Significant predictors of insomnia were educational level (vocational school) (OR: 8.954; 95% CI, 2.020–39.692; p < 0.05), and having PTSD (OR: 5.602; 95% CI, 3.135–10.013; p < 0.05). Conclusion: High prevalence rates of PTSD and insomnia with significant positive correlation were found among Egyptian medical staff during COVID-19 pandemic affected by significant predictors. So, urgent psychological and organizational interventions should be carried out to decrease this phenomenon.