Abstract
Background/objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the world, influencing various aspects beyond health-related issues. However, pediatric healthcare professionals experiencing anxiety due to COVID-19 exhibited elevated levels of work-related stress, were more likely to contemplate leaving their positions, and frequently reported low job satisfaction and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The purpose of this study is to assess job satisfaction and work-related psychological trauma leading to PTSD in pediatric healthcare workers in Greek hospitals. The specific objectives also included examining the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction during the pandemic, alongside the prevalence of PTSD among pediatric healthcare workers, the relationship between job satisfaction and PTSD, and the correlation of the pandemic with PTSD stemming from personal, familial, or professional exposure to the fear of death caused by the COVID-19 era. Methods This cross-sectional study took place from October 2021 to June 2022 in pediatric wards, pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and pediatric emergency departments of seven public university hospitals in Greece. The study included 445 pediatric healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, and nursing aides. Results Our study revealed that 25.2% of pediatric healthcare professionals showed signs of post-traumatic symptoms. Furthermore, pediatric healthcare professionals who perceived a threat to their own lives or the lives of their loved ones due to COVID-19 were at a higher risk of developing PTSD compared to those who did not experience such fears. Our findings also indicated that higher levels of job satisfaction are linked to a lower risk of developing posttraumatic symptoms. Additionally, healthcare professionals who had been infected with COVID-19 reported lower job satisfaction levels compared to those who had not contracted the virus. Conclusions The elevated prevalence of PTSD among participants underscores the importance of implementing measures to safeguard and promote the mental well-being of staff in pediatric units.Moreover, improving job satisfaction is considered crucial, given its reciprocal relationship with the development of PTSD. We suggest conducting regular mental health evaluations for healthcare workers, ensuring sufficient rest periods, providing incentives for career advancement, optimizing the utilization of their skills and specialties, offering support from mental health professionals when symptoms are identified, and allowing the option of departmental transfers for those who desire it or show signs of mental illness.