Mental health among COVID-19 survivors and healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Then novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic was considered to be the worst and complex virus outbreak, which caused 56,985 deaths as of April 22, 2020 already. The epidemic infectious may cause mental health crisis. Meanwhile, little is known about the specific psychological status of the COVID-19 survivors and healthcare workers. This cross-sectional study surveyed the mental health among 20 COVID-19 survivors, 54 nurses, and 24 hygienists in Wuhan, China and analyze the possible impact factors using the Symptom Check List 90 - Revised (SCL90-R) questionnaire. 3 indices and 9 dimensions were compared among job, education level, gender, age, marriage classification. This study found that mental distress among participants was not very serious in general. The survivors presented a highest score, then the hygienists, and the lowest in nurses. Low-educated and women showed significant increase. No significant difference was noted in age and marriage classification. Our study indicated that the survivors need psychological support immediately. Meanwhile, healthcare workers warrant more attention, especially low-educated and women. Comprehensive emergency response plan was warranted.