Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Work Engagement among Health Workers Involved in COVID-19 Treatment at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Jennifer Hope Kyarimpa, Otwine Tweheyo Anne and Francis Kazibwe
Bishop Stuart University, Uganda
Email: jenniferkyarimpa@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract: Frontline management of COVID-19 exposed health workers to repeated traumatic events that could undermine their psychological wellbeing and engagement at work. This study examined the extent of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the level of work engagement, and the relationship between PTSD and work engagement among health workers involved in COVID-19 treatment at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. A convergent mixed-methods cross-sectional design was used. Quantitative data were obtained from 103 health workers using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), while qualitative data were obtained through five key informant interviews with administrative and clinical personnel. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Probable PTSD was identified among 51.46% (n = 53) of health workers. Mean PTSD symptom scores were 1.64 (SD = 0.95) for intrusion, 1.53 (SD = 1.12) for avoidance, 1.65 (SD= 0.99) for negative cognition and mood, and 1.59 (SD=0.96) for arousal/reactivity. Work engagement was moderately high (M = 4.33, SD = 1.05), with dedication recording the highest mean (M = 4.68, SD =1.17). PTSD was significantly and inversely associated with work engagement (r = -.50, p<.001). Qualitative accounts described recurrent distressing memories, sleep disturbance, fear, emotional strain, moral obligation, teamwork, and professional commitment. The study concludes that substantial trauma-related distress coexisted with sustained professional engagement among frontline health workers. Hospitals and health authorities should integrate psychosocial support, staff wellness, trauma-informed supervision, and routine mental-health monitoring into emergency preparedness and response systems.
