Canadian Nurses’ Psychological Health Assessment and Its Determinants During the Uncertain Context of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Quebec's (Canada) nurses experienced a major reorganization of care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed at investigating nurses’ psychological health and its determinants during this highly uncertain time, with a particular focus on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. In 2020, a web-based cross-sectional survey was completed by a large sample of Quebec nurses ( n = 1,773). High prevalence of PTSD (14.3%), anxiety (39.4%), and depression (46.7%) was observed. Overcommitment at work was associated with higher prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. More years since licensure, feeling safe with protective measures and increased social support were associated with lower prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression. Our study identified modifiable personal and workplace factors that could be targeted by healthcare organizations and policymakers to promote nurses’ well-being and enhance the resilience of healthcare systems to resist future global health crises or pandemics. Future research is needed to better understand the potential long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ psychological health.