# Trusting in times of the COVID-19 crisis: Workplace and government trust and depressive symptoms among healthcare workers

## TL;DR

This study explores how trust in workplace and government affects the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Contribution

The study identifies trust in workplace and government as protective factors against depressive symptoms in healthcare workers during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- High workplace trust was associated with a 28% lower odds of depressive symptoms among healthcare workers.
- Government trust also showed a similar protective effect against depressive symptoms.
- The protective effect of workplace trust was stronger in more developed countries and under stricter pandemic restrictions.

## Abstract

Previous research has highlighted the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ (HCWs) mental health, yet protective factors remain underexplored. Emerging studies emphasize the importance of trust in government and interpersonal relationships in reducing infections and fostering positive vaccine attitudes. This study investigates the relationship between HCWs’ trust in the workplace and government and depressive symptoms during the pandemic. The COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS study surveyed 32,410 HCWs from 22 countries, including clinical and nonclinical staff. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and ad-hoc questions assessing trust in the workplace and government. Logistic regression and multilevel models examined associations between trust levels and depressive symptoms. High workplace trust (OR = 0.72 [0.68, 0.76]) and government trust (OR = 0.72 [0.69, 0.76]) were linked to lower odds of depressive symptoms, with significant between-country variation. Country-level analyses showed that workplace trust was more protective in more developed countries and under stricter COVID-19 restrictions. Despite cross-country variation, HCWs with higher trust in the workplace and government had ~28% lower odds of experiencing depressive symptoms compared to those with lower trust. Promoting trust may help mitigate the mental health impact of future crises on HCWs.