CONSORTIUM PUBLICATIONS
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A Descriptive Analysis of Nurses’ Self-Reported Mental Health Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Study
Global Consortium of Nursing & Midwifery Studies. (2025). A descriptive analysis of nurses' self-reported mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international study. International Nursing Review.
https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.13099
Aim
To describe the self-reported mental health of nurses from 35 countries who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background
There is little occupationally specific data about nurses' mental health worldwide. Studies have documented the impact on nurses’ mental health of the COVID-19 pandemic, but few have baseline referents.
Methods
A descriptive, cross-sectional design structured the study. Data reflect a convenience sample of 9,387 participants who completed the opt-in survey between July 31, 2022, and October 31, 2023. Descriptive statistics were run to analyze the following variables associated with mental health: Self-reports of mental health symptoms, burnout, personal losses during the pandemic, access to mental health services, and self-care practices used to cope with pandemic-related stressors. Reporting of this study was steered by the STROBE guideline for quantitative studies.
Results
Anxiety or depression occurred at rates ranging from 23%–61%, with country-specific trends in reporting observed. Approximately 18% of the sample reported experiencing some symptoms of burnout. The majority of nurses’ employers did not provide mental health support in the workplace. Most reported more frequently engaging with self-care practices compared with before the pandemic. Notably, 20% of nurses suffered the loss of a family member, 35% lost a friend, and 34% a coworker due to COVID-19. Nearly half (48%) reported experiencing public aggression due to their identity as a nurse.
Conclusions
The data obtained establish a basis for understanding the specific mental health needs of the nursing workforce globally, highlighting key areas for service development.
Implications for nursing policy
Healthcare organizations and governmental bodies need to develop targeted mental health support programs that are readily accessible to nurses to foster a resilient nursing workforce.
Moral Distress, Burnout, Turnover Intention, and Coping Strategies among Korean Nurses during the Late Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study
Lee, J.J., Ji, H., Lee, S., Lee, S.E., & Squires, A. (2024). Moral distress, burnout, turnover intention, and coping strategies among Korean nurses during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Nursing Management.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties nurses face, resulting in higher turnover rates and workforce shortages. This study investigated the relationships between nurses’ moral distress, burnout, and turnover intention during the last stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also explored the coping strategies nurses use to mitigate moral distress. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this study analyzed data from 307 nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in acute care hospitals through an online survey conducted in November 2022. Our data analysis encompassed quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics and path analysis, using a generalized structural equation model. For the qualitative aspect, we examined open-ended responses from 246 nurses using inductive content analysis. The quantitative findings revealed that nurses’ moral distress had a significant direct effect on turnover intention. In addition, burnout significantly mediated the relationship between moral distress and turnover intention. Qualitative analyses contextualized the relationships uncovered in the quantitative analyses. The qualitative analysis identified various positive and negative coping strategies. Positive strategies included a commitment to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks, adopting a holistic approach amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, voicing concerns for patient safety, engaging in continuous learning, and prioritizing self-care. Conversely, negative strategies involved adopting avoidance behaviors stemming from feelings of powerlessness and adopting a passive approach to one’s role. Notably, some participants shifted from positive to negative coping strategies because of institutional barriers and challenges. The findings underscore the importance for hospital administrators and nurse managers to acknowledge the impact of the pandemic-related challenges encountered by nurses and recognize the link among moral distress, burnout, and turnover intention. It highlights the essential role of organizational and managerial support in fostering effective coping strategies among nurses to address moral distress.