Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Its Related Factors in Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can result from direct or indirect contact with traumatic events. The current study aimed to evaluate PTSD and its related factors in nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a descriptive correlational study. Using convenience sampling methods, 395 nurses were enrolled in the study. The study instruments included demographic information, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and General Health and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age and work experience of the participants were 33.79 (6.74) years and 9.47 (6.47) years, respectively. Most nurses (86.60%) experienced PTSD. Multiple linear regression results showed general health (R(2) = 0.51, p = 0.001), job insecurity (R(2) = 0.51, p = 0.042), decision latitude (R(2) = 0.51, p = 0.037), and high age (R(2) = 0.51, p = 0.049) to be associated with an increase in PTSD, and having high social support (R(2) = 0.51, p = 0.043) was associated with a decrease in PTSD in nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have experienced high levels of PTSD after the fatal outbreak of COVID-19 disease. Stressful conditions associated with an increased likelihood of this disorder should be identified, and coping skills such as decision latitude (control) and social support should be strengthened to prevent the symptoms of this disorder in nurses.