The relationship between peritraumatic distress, mental health symptoms, and functioning impairment in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 emergency

Objective Healthcare workers (HCWs) were considered a population at risk for developing psychiatric symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Peritraumatic distress is associated with post-traumatic psychopathological symptoms; however, little is known about how it may affect functioning. The study aimed at evaluating the level of peritraumatic distress in a sample of HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and at examining the relationship between peritraumatic distress, mental health symptoms, and functioning impairment. Methods A sample of 554 frontline HCWs were consecutively enrolled in major university hospitals and community services in Italy. The PDI, IES-R, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were used to assess peritraumatic distress, symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, respectively, and the WSAS to investigate functioning impairment. PDI scores were higher among females, community services, physicians, and nurses. Furthermore, the PDI correlated significantly with the GAD-7, PHQ-9, IES-R, and WSAS. Results In a mediation analysis, the direct effect of PDI on WSAS and the indirect effects through the PHQ-9 and IES-R were statistically significant (P <.001). Conclusion Peritraumatic distress reported by HCWs was associated with symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, but the association with reduced functioning may be only partially mediated through symptoms of depression and PTSD.