Fear of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) among health care workers.
In this study, the authors examined fear related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) among 2 samples of hospital staff in Hong Kong. Sample 1 included health care workers (n=82) and was assessed during the peak of the SARS epidemic. Sample 2 included hospital staff who recovered from SARS (n=97). The results show that participants in both samples had equal, if not more, concern about infecting others (especially family members) than being self-infected. Sample 1 participants had stronger fear related to infection than Sample 2 participants, who seemed to be concerned more about other health problems and discrimination. Participants with lower self-efficacy tended to have higher fear related to SARS. Fear related to SARS was also correlated positively with posttraumatic stress symptoms among respondents of Sample 2 (recovered staff). Interventions based on these findings are described.
Ho
Samuel M Y
SM
Department of Psychology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. munyin@hkucc.hku.hk
Kwong-Lo
Rosalie S Y
RS
Mak
Christine W Y
CW
Wong
Joe S
JS
D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires