Dewi Octarini, Ari Yuniastuti, Mahalul Azam

Analysis of The Relationship Between The Contact History of Patients Suspected for Covid-19 and Psychological Disorders in Nurses at Hospital X, Demak District

Introduction

Analysis of the relationship between the contact history of patients suspected for covid-19 and psychological disorders in nurses at hospital x, demak district. Analyzes the relationship between COVID-19 contact and psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, PTSD) in nurses. Reveals significant mental health impacts, calling for nurse support.

Abstract

The aim of this inquiry was to examine the relationship between contact history with suspected COVID-19 patients and the level of psychological distress among nurses at Hospital X, Demak Regency. A retrospective survey was conducted involving 60 nurses, representing the entire nursing population at the hospital. The analysis showed that contact history with suspected COVID-19 patients was associated with depression. The P-value is 0.008, the anxiety level shows a P-value of 0.004, the stress level shows a P-value of 0.0027, PTSD shows a P-value of 1.000. The results of the analysis show that there is a significant relationship, namely anxietyas many as 62.5% experienced moderate anxiety. Nurses in the Emergency Department showed a high rate of PTSD, at 41.7%. Furthermore, factors such as gender, age, and length of service were also statistically associated with contact history with suspected COVID-19 patients. A statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between contact history with suspected COVID-19 patients and PTSD levels in nurses. These findings provide important insights into the potential psychological impact on nurses who have had contact with suspected COVID-19 patients. In the real world, this research can help develop plans to support nurses' mental well-being during the pandemic.

Review

This study addresses a highly relevant and critical topic: the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers, specifically nurses. The aim to examine the relationship between contact history with suspected COVID-19 patients and psychological distress is timely and important, offering valuable insights into a pressing public health concern. The use of a retrospective survey involving the entire nursing population (60 nurses) at Hospital X in Demak Regency provides a comprehensive view for that specific institution. The abstract highlights several significant associations, including depression (p=0.008), anxiety (p=0.004), and stress (p=0.0027), with contact history, noting a particularly high rate of moderate anxiety (62.5%) and PTSD among Emergency Department nurses (41.7%). While the topic is strong, the abstract lacks crucial methodological detail. It is unclear how "contact history" was operationalized and measured, which specific psychological assessment tools were employed for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD, and whether these were validated instruments. The statistical reporting presents some inconsistencies that require clarification; for instance, the P-value for PTSD is stated as 1.000 initially, yet later the abstract concludes that "A statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between contact history with suspected COVID-19 patients and PTSD levels in nurses." Furthermore, while P-values indicate statistical significance, the absence of effect sizes (e.g., odds ratios, regression coefficients) prevents a clear understanding of the magnitude and clinical importance of the reported relationships. The mention of demographic factors (gender, age, length of service) being "statistically associated with contact history" also raises questions about whether and how these potential confounders were accounted for in the analysis of psychological outcomes. Despite these limitations in the abstract's detail, the study's findings offer valuable preliminary insights into the mental health challenges faced by nurses during a pandemic, particularly highlighting vulnerable groups like those in the Emergency Department. The practical implication—to "help develop plans to support nurses' mental well-being"—is a strong and necessary contribution. For the full paper, a more detailed methodology section, including precise definitions of variables, validated assessment tools, and a clear explanation of the statistical analyses, is essential. The authors should also clarify the conflicting PTSD P-value and provide effect sizes for all significant findings. A discussion of the study's limitations, such as potential self-report bias or generalizability given the specific hospital context, would further strengthen the work. Overall, this study provides a pertinent local assessment, and with clearer methodological and statistical reporting, it has the potential to significantly contribute to the literature on healthcare worker well-being.

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