Association between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder among frontline nurse during COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediation analysis

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among frontline nurses who went to assist the epidemic situation in Wuhan, China, during the outbreak in 2020. The study also explored the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of age in the main relationship.Background: The relationship between burnout and PTSD in nurse has rarely been investigated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understand the relationship between these variables can provide empirical evidence for developing interventions and protocols that improve the health of nurses in future public health emergencies.Design: An online cross-sectional survey of targeted local 327 nurses who went to assist the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Wuhan during the initial outbreak.Methods: This study was conducted in August 2020, the burnout scale, the PTSD scale and the depression scale were used to survey participants. The moderated mediation model was used to test research hypotheses.Results: Burnout could affect the PTSD symptoms in nursing staffs and depression could mediate this relationship. Age moderated the relationship between burnout/depression and PTSD, and the effects was strong and significant among younger participants in the relationship between burnout and PTSD.Conclusions: Burnout was identified as a core risk factor of PTSD in nurses. Depression and age played significant roles in the relationship between burnout and PTSD.Relevance to Clinical Practice: PTSD, as a symptom that manifests after experiencing a stressful event, should be a key concern among frontline healthcare professionals. This study suggests that PTSD in nurses can be further reduced by reducing burnout. Attention should also be paid to the PTSD status of nurses of different age groups.Patient or Public Contribution: Patients and the public were not involved in the design and implementation of this study. Frontline nurses completed an online questionnaire for this study.