Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with a substantial number of severe cases requiring admission to isolated intensive care units (ICUs). This unprecedented situation exposed critical care nurses (CCNs) to a highly stressful traumatic environment, placing them at increased risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early identification and intervention for PTSD are crucial to mitigate the negative consequences for nurses' well-being, job performance, and overall quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to assess post-traumatic stress disorder among CCNs caring for COVID-19 patients. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 109 CCNs work in 13 isolated ICUs from three hospitals in Egypt which are designated to take care of Corona patients. A post-traumatic stress disorder assessment questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. Results: The results showed that 23.9% of participant nurses exhibited provisional PTSD with significantly higher scores (P < 0.05) across all PTSD symptom domains including re-experience, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and the hyperarousal domain. The findings also revealed that extra overtime hours within the ICU, shortage of personal protective equipment, history, and number of exposure times to COVID-19 (p = 0.021, 0.015, 0.017, < 0.001 respectively) were the most significant work-related risk factors of PTSD. Conclusion: CCNs suffered from provisional PTSD to some extent. All work-related factors should be controlled. Recommendations: Implementation of a comprehensive health education program could be a valuable strategy to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage PTSD and cope with potentially traumatic experiences.

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