Nursing home staff mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

Background: Nursing homes for older adults have been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic with increased mortality of residents and staff distress. Objective: To quantify the mental health of nursing home staff during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland. Design/Methods: Cross-sectional anonymous study of Republic of Ireland nursing home staff (n = 390) during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Online survey collecting demographic information, Covid-19 exposure history and mental health measures. Results: There were significant differences between nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA) and non-clinical staff history in age, ethnicity, years' experience, history of Covid-19 infection and contact with Covid-19 positive acquaintances. Moderate–severe post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.2%–50.1%) of all staff. A World Health Organisation-5 (WHO-5) wellbeing index score ≤32, indicating low mood, was reported by 38.7% (95% CI, 33.9%–43.5%) of staff; significantly more nurses reported low mood. Suicidal ideation and suicide planning were reported, respectively, by 13.8% (95% CI, 10.4%–17.3%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.4%–12.1%) of participants with no between-group differences. HCAs reported a significantly higher degree of moral injury than non-clinical staff. Nurses were more likely to use approach coping styles than non-clinical staff. Work ability was insufficient in 24.6% (95% CI 20.3%–28.9%) of staff. Conclusion: Nursing home staff report high levels of post-traumatic stress, mood disturbance and moral injury during the Covid-19 pandemic. Differences in degree of moral injury, wellbeing and coping styles were found between staff groups, which need to be incorporated into planning supports for this neglected workforce.