Prevalence of depression and its impact on quality of life among frontline nurses in emergency departments during the COVID-19 outbreak

An, Ying; Yang, Yuan; Wang, Aiping; Li, Yue; Zhang, Qinge; Cheung, Teris; Ungvari, Gabor S.; Qin, Ming-Zhao; An, Feng-Rong; Xiang, Yu-Tao

BACKGROUND: Frontline medical staff exposed to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) could be psychologically and mentally exhausted. This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its correlates and the association between depression and quality of life (QOL) in Emergency Department (ED) nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. METHODS: This national, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between March 15 to March 20, 2020 in China. Depression and QOL were measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version, respectively. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression in 1,103 ED nurses was 43.61% (95% CI=40.68%-46.54%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that working in tertiary hospitals (OR=1.647, P=0.009), direct patient care of COVID-19 patients (OR=1.421, P=0.018), and currently smoking (OR=3.843, P<0.001) were significantly associated with depression. After controlling for covariates, nurses with depression had an overall lower quality of life compared to those without (F((1,1103))=423.83, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Depression is common among ED nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the negative impact of depression on quality of patient care and nurses’ quality of life, a heightened awareness and early treatment of depression for frontline ED nurses should be provided.