PPE shortages and healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

Abstract

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical among healthcare professionals, considering that it serves as the first line of defense against infectious diseases and hazards in the healthcare environment. Therefore, the shortage of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a unique vulnerability within the healthcare system, heightening the risk of infection among healthcare professionals. Despite this evidence, few studies have explored whether this negative impact of PPE scarcity extends to mental health among healthcare professionals in Canada. Using the Survey on Healthcare Workers' Experiences During the Pandemic conducted by Statistics Canada (n = 12,246), the current study aims to address this void by exploring the association between PPE shortages and two indicators of mental health—depression and general anxiety disorder. We found that 18% and 26% of healthcare professionals reported depression and general anxiety disorder, respectively. Results from logistic regression analyses indicate that healthcare professionals who faced at least one PPE restriction were more likely to report general anxiety disorder. Additionally, professionals who experienced four or more restrictions were more likely to report depression (OR = 1.28, p<0.01), compared to those who did not experience any restriction. Based on these findings, we discuss whether the stress and anxiety resulting from inadequate protection during the pandemic may point to the importance of understanding the broader implications of PPE shortages on the mental well-being of healthcare professionals. The current study highlighted that it is essential to craft evidence-based policies that not only prioritize the physical safety of healthcare professionals but also their mental well-being, ultimately strengthening the healthcare system's response to crises.