Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: COVID-19 has globally challenged health systems and created profound psychosocial consequences for healthcare workers. Hopelessness, as a negative future expectation, may emerge alongside fear, anxiety, and burnout. This study aimed to examine hopelessness levels among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify associated factors based on their experiences and perceptions.Methods: The research group consisted of all employees at an education and research hospital. Data were collected from 562 personnel (48.2% of active staff). The data collection tools included a questionnaire and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni/Tamhane post-hoc tests, and stepwise multiple linear regression model.Results: The mean age was 35.8±8.8 years, and the mean length of service was 9.1±8.3 years. Of the participants, 61.2% were female, 30.8% were doctors, and 27.0% nurses. Nearly one-third had worked in COVID-19 units, one-third had been infected, and more than half had directly cared for COVID-19 patients. In bivariate analyses, smoking, workplace reassignment, direct care of patients with COVID-19, and perceiving colleagues’ knowledge as insufficient were associated with higher hopelessness. In the multivariable model, female gender, chronic illness or disability, a mixed work schedule, psychological impact, the belief that the pandemic could not be controlled, and pessimistic expectations about returning to normal life remained independently associated with hopelessness.Conclusion: Hopelessness is a critical psychological concern among healthcare workers in pandemic disasters. Early recognition of vulnerable groups and institutional support to reduce uncertainty, provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment, and regulate shift work are essential to strengthen workforce resilience. These findings highlight the need to integrate psychological well-being into pandemic preparedness and occupational health policies.
Authors: Esra Demir Özer, Hakan Altıntaş
Institutions: Mustafa Kemal University, Hacettepe University
Language: Turkish
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7224765677