The relationship between the personality traits with COVID-19 in intensive care professionals: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between personality traits and COVID-19 in intensive care professionals. In addition, demographic, occupational, institutional data, symptoms and characteristics related to COVID-19 are evaluated.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study with 218 intensive care professionals who had and did not have COVID-19 infection from June 2020 to September 2020. The study population consisted of physicians, nurses, and allied health personnel working in intensive care units in Turkey. The data were collected through an online questionnaire including demographics, occupations and institutions, Personality Belief Questionnaire (PBQ) scores, symptoms, and characteristics related to COVID-19 disease.

Results: This study showed that intensive care professionals who were younger, single, and had asthma experienced a much higher risk of COVID-19 compared to those who did not have COVID-19. Intensive care professionals who were physicians experienced a much higher risk of infection than nurses. Among these intensive care professionals having COVID-19 disease, the personality traits questionnaire showed that

COVID-19 positivity resulted in dependent, antisocial, and borderline personalities. Among the intensive care professionals with COVID-19 disease, the nurses had a significantly higher risk of fever and chest pain. Conclusions: The present study reveals a higher prevalence of dependent, antisocial, and borderline personality traits among intensive care professionals who tested positive for COVID-19. Regarding personnel, better exploration of these factors could contribute to more effectively adapting to and combating the challenges of future public health crises.