The mental health of neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province, China, during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety scale (SAS) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).Results: The average SAS standard scores of neurological physicians were 41.33 ± 8.98, higher than Chinese national norms. The prevalence of anxiety (defined as a total score ≥50 on the SAS) and depression (defined as a total score ≥53 on the SDS) in nurses (20.3%, 30.2%) was higher than in doctors (12.6%, 20.2%). Logistic regression analysis showed that attitude toward the risk of infection due to the shortage of protective equipment was independently associated with anxiety among neurological staff (OR = 2.004, 95% CI: 1.257 - 3.193).Conclusions: Symptoms of anxiety and depression were more prevalent among neurological nurses than doctors in Hunan Province. The shortage of protective equipment led to anxiety in the medical staff of neurology departments, which merits attention during the battle against COVID-19.