Pandemic fatigue and clinical front-line medical staff health, job status during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey after the lifting of epidemic restrictions

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to measure pandemic fatigue, physical and mental health, and job status of front-line medical staff in Ningbo. And to identify factors associated with pandemic fatigue. Background: There was an acute increase in fatigue symptoms at the COVID-19 pandemic onset. The front-line medical staff is particularly vulnerable to fatigue due to their high-intensity work. Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted using an online survey that included demographic data, investigation of COVID-19 history and job status. The Fatigue Assessment Scale, GAD-7 score and Sleep Quality Scale were used to collect data from 479 front-line medical staff. Methods: The study involved 479 front-line medical staff in Ningbo, China. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire that included demographic data, investigation of COVID-19 history and job status. The Fatigue Assessment Scale, GAD-7 score and Sleep Quality Scale were used to collect data. Results: The results showed that of the 479 participants, 393 (82%) reported pandemic fatigue, 393 (82%) reported job satisfaction and 433 (90.4%) identified with their sense of job value. Sleep quality, work with a fever, economic subsidies for fighting COVID-19 and recognizing professional value were significantly correlated with pandemic fatigue. Conclusions: As the COVID-19 pandemic challenges front-line medical workers, implementing measures is essential. Health policy implementers could provide sufficient front-line medical staff to ensure rest in case of infection, promote sleep quality and foster professional value and financial subsidies in units. Relevance to clinical practice: The study shows how pandemic fatigue affects front-line medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggests measures to support them, including promoting sleep quality, providing rest for infected staff, fostering professional value and financial subsidies. The recommendations are relevant to clinical practice as they help support medical staff and ensure high-quality care for patients during the pandemic. Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. Not applicable.