The Influence Of Risk Perception For COVID-19 Pandemic On Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Healthcare Workers

Objective:The aim of current study was to investigate risk perception of COVID-19 pandemic,sleep quality and time change of leisure activity and their correlations with posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD)in healthcare workers(HCWs).Methods:Medical staffs(n=317)from three designated hospitals in Guangdong Province and one designated hospital in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were surveyed on their demographic information,sleep quality and time change of leisure activity,risk perception of pandemic and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms(by using posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5(PCL-5)).Hierarchical regression and structural equation model(SEM)were used to examine the correlated factors of posttraumatic stress disorder.Results:1.The prevalence of high level of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms(PCL-5>=33,a probable diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder)was 10.7%.Regression analysis found that risk perception(dread:(β=0.142,p<0.01;familiarity:β=0.203,p<0.01),sleep quality(β=0.250,p<0.001),time change of leisure activity(β=-0.179,p<0.01),were independently correlated with posttraumatic stress disorder severity,which was further confirmed by structural equation model.Conclusion:1.Locations of COVID-19-related hazards were significant different in cognitive map of risk perception between groups with high and low levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.2.Risk perception of COVID-19 pandemic influenced posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in healthcare workers.3.Adequate time for leisure activity and good sleep quality protected some healthcare workers against posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms under the influence of pandemic.