Anxiety, burnout and depression levels according to sex and years of work experience in italian nurses engaged in the care of covid-19 patients

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate burnout, anxiety and depression levels in nurses directly involved in the care of Covid-19 patients. Furthermore, particular attention was paid to the existence of any differences between male and female nurses to evaluate whether the variables considered can be influenced by the gender variable. Design: A cohort case-report study was carry out. Sample: All Italian nurses who were at front line in the care of the Covid-19 patients were involved. Measurement: The on line questionnaire collected data as regards: gender and years of work experience; the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire (MBI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Results: Certainly the experience of the pandemic was very emotional for nurses engaged in the front line in the care of Covid-19 patients. However, anxiety and depression levels turned out to be normal, while some nurses experienced them in the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of the burnout rating scale. Conclusion: The practical implication was the implementation of support policies for nurses in tackling the problem of burnout more than that of anxiety or depression.