Page 67 - Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022

Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022
rd
th
14 MOH-AMM Scientific Meeting 2022 in conjunction with 23 NIH Scientific Conference Abstract Book
were assessed by several domains: workload, safety, under skill, fear of infection,
discrimination from society, work-family interference, and lack of appreciations. Descriptive
analysis and Chi-square test were conducted using IBM SPSS version 25.
RESULTS: Overall, 1783 HCWs participated in this study, consisting of COVID-19 care team
(63.1%) and non-COVID-19 care team (36.9%). Workload, safety, work-family interference,
and fear of infection were the stressors that concerned the HCWs with a higher frequency
rate observed in the COVID-19 team except for the last domain mentioned. Both HCWs
groups reported a low frequency rate in the remaining stressors. Chi-Square test revealed
that direct involvement in COVID-19 care was significantly associated with stressors among
2
HCWs except for under skill domain (workload: χ =42.9,(df)=1,P<.001, safety:
2
2
χ =17.4,(df)=1,P<0.01, fear of infection: χ =6.3,(df)=1,P=0.012, discrimination:
2
2
χ =4.4,(df)=1,P=0.037, work-family interference: χ =14.2,(df)=1,P<0.001, feeling
2
unappreciated: χ =20.4,(df)=1,P<0.001).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that all HCWs have experienced similar stressors
during this COVID-19 pandemic, those who are directly involved in COVID-19 care seem to be
more vulnerable, particularly in terms of increased workload, personal safety issues and lack
of family time.

ID 46 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER DURING THE COVID-
19 PANDEMIC AMONG MEDICAL LABORATORY WORKERS IN CENTRAL PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA

1
1
1
1
Noor Syaqilah Shawaluddin , S Maria Awaluddin , Lim Kuang Kuay , Maznieda Mahjom , Tuan Mohd Amin Tuan
1
1
2
1
1
Lah , Mohd Shaiful Azlan bin Kassim , Mizanurfakhri Ghazali , Rosmanajihah Mat Lazim , Masita Arip , Rohaida
2
2
2
Ismail , Nadia Mohamad , Raheel Nazakat
1 Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Malaysia
2 Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Mental health outcomes is a major public health concerns during the COVID-
19 pandemic, and these are related to socioeconomic changes, uncertainties and fears among
population. Anxiety could be triggered particularly among healthcare workers who are
directly involve in handling COVID-19 patients and specimens. The study aims to determine
the prevalence and factors associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) among
medical laboratory workers (MLWs).
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 406 MLWs in the Central Peninsular
Malaysia from October to December 2021 using an online survey. Anxiety symptoms were
assessed using 7-items Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire. The cut-off points to
define possible anxiety were 8 and above. A descriptive and multiple logistic regression was
conducted in this study using IBM SPSS version 23.
RESULTS: The prevalence of overall possible anxiety symptoms was 20.7%. Factors associated
with GAD symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic were younger age group (aOR=3.23; 95%
CI:1.22, 8.57), excessive working time of more than 50 hours per week (aOR=3.09; 95% CI:
1.76, 5.42), working with COVID-19 samples (aOR=1.83; 95% CI:1.07, 3.14).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: MLWs were at risk of suffering GAD symptoms during the COVID-
19 pandemic, especially among the younger age group, those exposed to excessive working
time and handling COVID-19 specimens. Thus, stakeholders should improve the existing
health promotion, supportive environments, and psychological support including regular

41