Key Finding
Nearly one-third (30.1%) of medical staff working in mobile cabin hospitals during COVID-19 experienced significant mental health decline, with highest risk among females, those aged 30-39, and workers with multiple or prolonged deployments.
This study examined the mental health impact of COVID-19 on medical workers staffing mobile cabin hospitals in Beijing during the pandemic. Researchers surveyed 266 healthcare workers using questionnaires that assessed their general demographics and mental health status. The findings revealed that nearly one-third (30.1%) of medical staff experienced a decline in mental health during this period. Certain groups were particularly vulnerable to emotional distress, including female workers, those married without children, doctors and non-nursing staff, workers aged 30-39, those in confirmation departments, and staff who had supported mobile cabin hospitals three or more times or for longer than one month. The study also found gender differences in how stress manifested: women experienced higher rates of insomnia due to worry compared to men, while men reported greater feelings of lost self-worth than women. Medical staff in confirmation departments struggled more with insomnia than those in administrative roles. These findings highlight how epidemic outbreaks create significant psychological burdens for healthcare workers on the front lines. For patients considering acupuncture for stress-related conditions like anxiety, insomnia, or emotional distress, this research underscores the widespread nature of mental health challenges during public health crises and the importance of addressing psychological wellbeing through various therapeutic approaches. If you're seeking acupuncture care for stress or anxiety-related symptoms, work with a licensed acupuncturist who can develop an individualized treatment plan for your needs.
This cross-sectional study evaluated psychological distress among 266 medical staff working in Beijing mobile cabin hospitals during COVID-19 using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), with scores ≥4 indicating mental health decline. Results showed 30.1% of participants experienced deteriorating mental health. Highest prevalence of emotional distress occurred among females, married individuals without children, doctors and non-nursing occupations, ages 30-39, confirmation department workers, those with ≥3 deployments, and deployments lasting ≥1 month. Gender-specific manifestations emerged: females showed significantly higher insomnia rates due to worry versus males, while males reported greater perceived loss of self-worth compared to females. Confirmation department staff experienced higher insomnia rates than administrative/logistics personnel. The study emphasizes need for continuous mental health monitoring, targeted interventions, and policy development for healthcare workers during epidemic outbreaks. Clinical relevance: Acupuncture practitioners treating healthcare workers should assess deployment history, department assignment, and gender-specific stress manifestations when developing treatment protocols for anxiety, insomnia, and occupational stress.
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