Relationship between psychological symptoms and self-efficacy of the staff of the Ministry of Health in the Covid-19 pandemic

Strengthening and improving self-efficacy among employees is effective in promoting mental health and reducing psychological symptoms during the Coronavirus outbreak. This study, therefore, aimed to study the relationship between psychological symptoms and self-efficacy of the staff of the Ministry of Health during Covid-19 pandemic.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted cross-sectionally among 330 staff members of the Ministry of Health in 2019. Sampling was done in a stratified random manner. Data were collected online using a general health and self-efficacy questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16 software. Ethical considerations were observed at all stages of the study.

Depression (10.39 ± 9.04) showed the highest score and morbid fear (3.20 ± 3.75) had the lowest score among psychological symptoms. The efficiency of employees was evaluated well. There was no significant difference between psychological symptoms and the variables of gender, marital status, employment status, and number of children. There observed a significant difference with variables of Corona involvement, age, education level, and work experience. The relationship between all psychological symptoms and self-efficacy was significant and inverse. The regression model showed that sensitivity variables in reciprocal relationships, age, depression, aggression and morbid fear together predict 38% of self-efficacy changes.

Considering the negative correlation between self-efficacy and psychological symptoms and the predictor of self-efficacy by psychological symptoms, holding training classes, coping methods and teaching self-efficacy skills can be useful in promoting mental health and self-efficacy of employees.