Psychological impact of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on the staff of a French hospital

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among hospital staff. The factors associated with this psychological impact remain to be determined. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire completed by the staff of a French hospital, two months after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. RESULTS: Among the 353 participants (of whom 67% were healthcare professionals), 32% had symptoms of anxiety, 16% of depression and 16% of PTSD. Eleven per cent had initiated or increased treatment with sleeping pills, and 6% with anxiolytics. In a multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with anxiety were: change of professional team, having a relative infected by SARS-CoV-2 and a new/increased treatment with sleeping pills or anxiolytics. The only factor associated with depression was the feeling of risk during professional practice. The factors associated with PTSD were: having a relative infected by SARS-CoV-2, the feeling of risk during professional practice, the increase in smoking and treatment with sleeping pills. The observance of transmission preventive measures (TPM) was not associated with the psychological impact of SARS-CoV-2. A personal history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and age < 36 years were associated with insufficient use of protective equipment. Age < 36 years, and being a healthcare professional were associated with the non-observance of social distancing. CONCLUSION: The hospital staff displayed psychological consequences, resulting in the use of anxiolytics and sleeping pills. Belonging to a group with low-risk of severe disease was associated with lower observance of TPM.