TY - JOUR PY - 2021// TI - Nursing home staff mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland JO - International journal of geriatric psychiatry A1 - Brady, Conan A1 - Fenton, Caoimhe A1 - Loughran, Orlaith A1 - Hayes, Blánaid A1 - Hennessy, Martina A1 - Higgins, Agnes A1 - Leroi, Iracema A1 - Shanagher, Deirdre A1 - McLoughlin, Declan M. SP - EP - VL - 37 IS - 1 N2 - BACKGROUND: Nursing homes for older adults have been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic with increased mortality of residents and staff distress. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the mental health of nursing home staff during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland. DESIGN/METHODS: Cross-sectional anonymous study of Republic of Ireland nursing home staff (n = 390) during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Online survey collecting demographic information, Covid-19 exposure history and mental health measures. RESULTS: There were significant differences between nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA) and non-clinical staff history in age, ethnicity, years' experience, history of Covid-19 infection and contact with Covid-19 positive acquaintances. Moderate-severe post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.2%-50.1%) of all staff. A World Health Organisation-5 (WHO-5) wellbeing index score ≤32, indicating low mood, was reported by 38.7% (95% CI, 33.9%-43.5%) of staff; significantly more nurses reported low mood. Suicidal ideation and suicide planning were reported, respectively, by 13.8% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.3%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.4%-12.1%) of participants with no between-group differences. HCAs reported a significantly higher degree of moral injury than non-clinical staff. Nurses were more likely to use approach coping styles than non-clinical staff. Work ability was insufficient in 24.6% (95% CI 20.3%-28.9%) of staff. CONCLUSION: Nursing home staff report high levels of post-traumatic stress, mood disturbance and moral injury during the Covid-19 pandemic. Differences in degree of moral injury, wellbeing and coping styles were found between staff groups, which need to be incorporated into planning supports for this neglected workforce.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0885-6230 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/gps.5648 ID - ref1 ER -