P-245 Mental Health of Tunisian Healthcare Workers During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Observational Study

Abstract Introduction Patients with COVID-19 could present adverse psychological outcomes. Health care workers (HCW) are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and therefore prone to such outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of negative mental outcomes of COVID-19 in HCW. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Tunisia among cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in HCW between January 15 and February 15 2021 and a control group. We adopted the professional quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist. Results A total of 226 HCW were included. High rates of burnout (80.71%) and STS (62.38%) were noted among the participants. The COVID-19 group showed lower rates of anxiety (44.25% vs 55.76%; p=0.008), depression (30.07% vs 43.34%; p=0.11) and PTSD (13.27% vs 27.43%; p = 0.006). Rates of anxiety were determined by STS. The risk of depression was higher in those with PTSD. The risk of PTSD was determined by depression, anxiety and fear of contaminating ones’ family. Discussion The higher risk of negative mental health outcome in the control group in our study could be explained by the ‘worst anticipated event’ theory. In fact, anticipated rather than experienced events associated with the pandemic, particularly the fear of becoming sick, multiplied the risk of psychological distress three times. Conclusion This study indicates that COVID-19 pandemic, rather than the virus itself, has caused heavy psychological impact among HCW. Specific strategies to prevent such outcomes in case of future health crisis are needed.