TR
EN
Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions
Öz
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.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Destekleyen Kurum
The authors declare that this study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Etik Beyan
Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Hacettepe University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee, under the reference number 16969557-516 and dated 02/03/2021. Given that the study concerns COVID-19, an application was made to the COVID-19 Scientific Research Evaluation Commission within the General Directorate of Health Services of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health approved the conduct of this study. Additionally, administrative permission was obtained from the Bolu Provincial Health Directorate and the Chief Physician's Office of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University İzzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital. All participants provided informed consent before taking part in the study.
Teşekkür
The authors would like to thank all healthcare workers who voluntarily participated in this study.
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Halk Sağlığı (Diğer)
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yayımlanma Tarihi
30 Ekim 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
7 Şubat 2026
Kabul Tarihi
27 Ekim 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 35 Sayı: 4
APA
Demir Özer, E., & Altıntaş, H. (2026). Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions. Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi, 35(4), 262-279. https://doi.org/10.17942/sted.1884248
AMA
1.Demir Özer E, Altıntaş H. Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions. STED. 2026;35(4):262-279. doi:10.17942/sted.1884248
Chicago
Demir Özer, Esra, ve Hakan Altıntaş. 2026. “Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions”. Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi 35 (4): 262-79. https://doi.org/10.17942/sted.1884248.
EndNote
Demir Özer E, Altıntaş H (01 Ekim 2026) Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions. Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi 35 4 262–279.
IEEE
[1]E. Demir Özer ve H. Altıntaş, “Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions”, STED, c. 35, sy 4, ss. 262–279, Eki. 2026, doi: 10.17942/sted.1884248.
ISNAD
Demir Özer, Esra - Altıntaş, Hakan. “Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions”. Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi 35/4 (01 Ekim 2026): 262-279. https://doi.org/10.17942/sted.1884248.
JAMA
1.Demir Özer E, Altıntaş H. Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions. STED. 2026;35:262–279.
MLA
Demir Özer, Esra, ve Hakan Altıntaş. “Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions”. Sürekli Tıp Eğitimi Dergisi, c. 35, sy 4, Ekim 2026, ss. 262-79, doi:10.17942/sted.1884248.
Vancouver
1.Esra Demir Özer, Hakan Altıntaş. Hopelessness among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perceptions. STED. 01 Ekim 2026;35(4):262-79. doi:10.17942/sted.1884248