The impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers is enormous. Previous studies during the SARS outbreak demonstrated a significant burden and increase of mental health problems in health care workers.This longitudinal study aims to investigate the prevalence of mental health problems and the quality of life of health care workers during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Health care workers of the different Covid-19 cohort and transit wards, as well as the intensive care unit and (psychiatric) emergency services of the Ghent university hospital will be included, as well as the health care workers of 6 non-Covid-19 wards. Participants will receive a monthly online survey during the government issued restrictions. After cessation of the restrictions participants will receive three-monthly surveys for a one-year-period.~Sociodemographic data, data regarding employment and previous mental health problems will be collected at the first survey. The Covid-19 status of the health care workers will be inquired at every survey. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Dutch translation of the Covid-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and three items measuring social support will be administered at every survey.
The impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers is enormous. This longitudinal study investigates the prevalence of mental health problems and the quality of life of healthcare workers during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Underlying risk factors are also examined. Health care workers of the different Covid-19 cohort and transit wards, as well as the intensive care unit and (psychiatric) emergency services of the Ghent university hospital will be included, as well as the health care workers of 6 non-Covid-19 wards.