This study focused on the preferences for psychological assistance and associated factors among Chinese healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cross-sectional analysis of survey data collected from Chinese HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nationwide psychological service platforms in China that facilitated participation of HCWs.
A total of 901 HCWs aged 19–84 years, including doctors, nurses and other medical staff.
Preference for psychological assistance was assessed through survey options, including psychological materials, stress management skills, telephone hotline, online non-video psychological counselling, online video psychological counselling and no need or others. Prevalence of mental health symptoms was evaluated using validated scales: Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (PC-PTSD-5) for stress. Additional measures included sleep disturbance, suicidal ideation and demographic characteristics such as age, education level and occupation.
Among 901 HCWs surveyed, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 12.32% (PHQ-2 score ≥3), 42.18% (GAD-7 score ≥5) and 28.75% (PC-PTSD-5 score ≥3), respectively. Sleep disturbance and suicidal ideation were reported by 29.41% (cut-off value=2) and 9.32% (cut-off value=1) of participants. Among the 602 respondents who preferred psychological assistance, the most preferred options were stress management skills, psychological materials and online non-video counselling. HCWs with severe suicidal ideation (item 9 of PHQ-9=3) preferred online video counselling (80%). Logistic regression indicated that age was negatively correlated with the preference for psychological materials (β=–0.86, p=0.034) but positively associated with the preference of telephone hotlines (26–35 years: β=1.69, p=0.035; ≥45 years: β=1.90, p=0.031). Higher educational attainment was associated with greater preference for psychological materials (undergraduates: β=0.71, p=0.014; masters: β=1.13, p=0.007) and online counselling (masters: β=1.743, p=0.002). Nurses were more likely to prefer stress management skills (β=0.71, p=0.014), while HCWs with suicidal ideation showed a stronger preference for online video counselling (β=0.66, p<0.05). Linear regression further showed that participants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and those with severe anxiety were more likely to use multiple forms of psychological assistance.
The high prevalence of mental health problems among HCWs highlights an urgent need for targeted psychological support. Distinct characteristics of HCWs were associated with different preferences for psychological assistance, highlighting the importance of tailoring interventions to the specific needs of HCWs.