Identifying factors associated with nurse mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic using the GHQ-12: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective:

This study aims to clarify mental health status of nurses using the GHQ-12 and factors associated with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

The cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2021. We administered a questionnaire survey to 482 nurses, and 225 of them were analyzed. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics and mental health status, COVID-19-related work experience, job satisfaction, resilience, and other factors.

We analyzed the data using binomial logistic regression analysis. Specifically, we divided the respondents into two groups, those with GHQ-12 scores of 4 or higher and those with GHQ-12 scores of less than 4. A score of 4 or higher was considered psychological distress. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted on factors that might be related to psychological distress.

Results:

The percentage of nurses with psychological distress was 46.2%. Nurses’ psychological distress was significantly associated with

stress from becoming public targets of slander and misinformation, lack of job satisfaction, and low resilience scores.

Conclusions:

Systematic follow-up should be implemented to promote nurses' psychological well-being. Our results suggested that increasing job satisfaction and resilience are essential for nurses’ mental health.