JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The functioning of healthcare systems in emergencies relies on healthcare workers (HCWs). During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs faced significant emotional challenges, which affected their productivity. In revealing HCWs’ emotional responses, we enable the creation of effective support strategies for future crises. This study examines the emotional response of HCWs and compares it with that of non-HCWs across distinct pandemic phases.

Objective:

The study aims to explore and compare the emotional response of HCWs vs. non-HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic; To investigate how emotional responses are linked to the pandemic's evolution in the U.S. And, to assess whether the emotions experienced by HCWs can serve as an early indicator of pandemic progression.

Methods:

In a case‒control study, we analyzed the emotions of 1,450 HCWs and 1,387 non-HCWs using 8,723,404 tweets collected from January 2019 to May 2022. Using Twitter profile data and a machine learning classifier, we identified HCWs and matched non-HCWs on the basis of demographics (gender, age, and ethnicity). Emotional responses (fear, sadness, joy, disgust, surprise, and anger) were examined across five pandemic phases (pre-pandemic and four pandemic stages) using effect sizes. Spearman correlations were used to examine the associations between HCWs’ emotions and pandemic progression.

Results:

HCWs displayed greater sadness (Cohen's d=0.23) in the early pandemic phase and greater fear (d=0.73–0.10) across the three phases than non-HCWs. HCWs exhibited lower levels of anger (d=-0.19– -0.13), surprise (d=-0.33– -0.15), and disgust (d=-0.20– -0.18) than non-HCWs. Joy prevalence was greater among HCWs starting in the second pandemic phase (d=0.13–0.16). Most emotions returned to pre-pandemic levels, except sadness, which remained elevated for HCWs. Emotional trends correlated significantly with pandemic progression (r=0.205–0.480, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

HCWs experienced distinct emotional responses and resilience capacities compared with non-HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings emphasize the need for targeted support strategies for further emergencies. The study suggests that HCWs' social media discussions can be complementary tools for monitoring well-being and crisis progression.