Psychosomatic Health Status of Pharmacy Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background: Few studies have been conducted on psychosomatic health status of pharmacy staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the incidence and influence factors of psychosomatic syndrome of pharmacy staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 10721 pharmacy staff received online investigation through a period of 22 days from February 24th to March 16th 2019. The investigation included the self-designed general situation questionnaire and Psychosomatic Symptoms Scale (PSSS), and 9118 participants provided valid questionnaire feedback. ANOVA was used to evaluate significant differences of psychosomatic syndromes in different subgroups. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine the main risk factors of psychosomatic syndrome.Results: During the outbreak of COVID-19, the total incidence of psychosomatic syndrome was 21.7% in the pharmacy staff. The most common psychosomatic symptoms were sleep problems (dyscoimesis) and mood problems (irritability). Age was the most important risk factor of the observed psychosomatic syndromes and somatic symptoms, and education was identified affecting mostly psychological symptoms.Conclusion: During the period of COVID-19, the psychosomatic problems of pharmacy staff were prominent. Age and educational background should be taken into account of potential intervention strategy. The relief of mood and sleep will aid the treatment effort.