(310) Unveiling the Struggles: Stress, Fatigue, and Insomnia Among Practitioners in Intensive Care Units

Introduction: Working in critical care settings requires demanding working environments that may cause a high burden on healthcare providers’ mental health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia levels among those who work in both Adult intensive care units (AICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using validated questionnaires concerning anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue), and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index. The target sample was those who worked in critical care settings, including Respiratory Therapists (RTs), Nurses, and physicians.

Results: A total of 511 participants completed the survey, of which 313 (61%) were female, and 267 (52%) were aged between 18 and 29. Most of the sample consisted of RTs (51.5%), nursing professionals (40%), and physicians (9%), in which 50% of the whole sample worked in NICUs. The overall prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety was 305 (60%), of which 208/305 (68%) were female, 166/305 (54%) were RTs, and 199/305 (65%) were found to be in those who worked in NICUs. The overall prevalence of fatigue was 185/511 (36%), mainly found in those who worked in NICUs 145/185 (78%). Around 41% of the participants had insomnia, particularly those assigned to NICU (82%). Practitioners who worked in NICUs had higher anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia scores when compared to those who worked in AICUs (p-value, <.001).

Conclusions: Anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia were prevalent among healthcare providers in intensive care settings. Those who work in NICU may suffer from deteriorated mental health and poor sleep hygiene. Policymakers should prioritize providing practical mental health support and counseling to improve the overall working culture in critical care settings.