"Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia Conditions in Italian Nurses during the First and the Second Waves of the Covid-19 Pandemic"

Abstract

"Background: To assess the levels of anxiety, depression and insomnia among Italian nurses directly involved in the care of patients with Covid-19, considering the first and the second wave of the pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered on some pages of the nursing social networks and addressed precisely to nurses directly involved in the care of patients affected by Covid-19 in two different periods of the pandemic: during the first wave (March2020 - May 2020) and during the second wave (October 2020 - November 2020). Results: A total of 592 nurses agreed to participate in the study: 291 nurses during the first wave and 301 during the second wave. No significant differences were recorded among the two groups based on anxiety disorder (p=.364). A significant difference between the two groups were recorded considering the depression and the insomnia condition, too (p <.001; p<.001). Additionally, no significant differences were recorded between the two waves, both for the anxiety, depression and insomnia disorders. In fact, there were only sex-related differences for each wave, but between the two waves the condition among nurses did not vary significantly. Conclusion: Further psychological support should be implemented and nurses encouraged in their care of patients suffered from Covid-19."