Stressors and Coping Strategies of Medical Staff in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Wuhan

Exploring whether medical staff perceive stress on the assigned medical tasks, what are the specific sources of stress, what are the tangible sources of support they expected to be helpful, and individual coping with stress to provide more accurate, personal support for psychological crisis. This study uses a cross-sectional descriptive survey adopting convenience sampling among the medical staff who worked for over seven days in the infected areas of one Grade 2A and three Grade 3A hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment includes attitude when receiving tasks, major stressors, factors relieving stress, and personal management of stress. A total of 104 (76.8%) valid questionnaires are received. A majority (94.3%) of the medical staff held a positive attitude taking duty for granted but feeling nervous and afraid (81.1%). Contacting the infected (90.6%) and compensation (92.5%) are the main concerns. The major pressure sources are regarding safety for oneself (98.1%), colleagues (92.5%), and family (94.3%), as well as lack of effective treatment (92.5%), inadequate protective equipment (94.3%) and incomplete disinfection (94.3%). The main positive pressure adjustments include strict infection controlling measures (98.4%), maintaining a positive attitude (95.2%), actively attain more information 95.2%, and engage in recreational activities (93.6%), but more than 40% takes negative adjustments to vent their emotions and relieve anxiety, suggesting the importance of early psychological intervention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the main stressors among medical staff are safety, uncertainty and shortage of resources. Positive coping includes taking effective protective measures and achieving thorough understanding of the virus.