Depression, anxiety, stress and trauma-related symptoms and their association with perceived social support in medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine

Purpose
In a public health crisis medical professionals face immense psychological tension that leads to onset of negative mental health outcomes. We aimed to estimate the self-reported level of posttraumatic, anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms and their association with the level of perceived social support among healthcare professionals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Ukraine.

Methods
A cross-sectional web-based survey conducted during the second wave of the pandemic involved 330 participants. Mental health variables were assessed via the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The level of perceived social support was assessed via the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).

Results
The DASS-21 median score was 42.0 (IQR = 28.0-56.0), with 50.5% of respondents reporting moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms; 55.4% had moderate-to-severe anxiety levels; 42.4% had moderate-to-severe stress levels. The PCL-5 median score was 21.0 (IQR = 12.0-32.0), with 20% of the participants meeting the full criteria for PTSD. The MSPSS median score was 5.3 (IQR = 4.3-6.1), with 61.8% of the participants reporting high, 29.4% medium, and 8.8% low levels of social support, respectively. Logistic analysis revealed that being a younger person, female, having had previous exposure to COVID-19, working in inpatient facilities with COVID patients, and experiencing a lower level of social support were significant risk factors for the onset of mental disorders. Almost 75% of participants exhibited low-to-moderate adherence to psychological/psychiatric care.

Conclusions
Health professionals working with COVID patients need to be screened for mental disorders. A campaign aimed at achieving the de-stigmatization of mental care is required.