The Impact of the Beirut Explosion on the Mental Health of Lebanese Healthcare Providers: A Scoping Review

Cureus. 2024 Nov 22;16(11):e74240. doi: 10.7759/cureus.74240. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Lebanon has faced a series of crises, starting with the economic collapse in 2019, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut blast on August 4, 2020. These events have left the population vulnerable to psychological distress. Our study aims to assess the psychological impact of the Beirut explosion on Lebanese healthcare providers. We conducted an electronic database search, resulting in the inclusion of 21 relevant manuscripts. Various psychological issues were reported among healthcare workers (HCWs), with burnout prevalence rates of 37.2% for disengagement and 51.5% for exhaustion. Additionally, feelings of heaviness, fear, exhaustion, and anxiety were common. Approximately 60% of HCWs experienced moderate to severe stress, and half reported moderate to severe anxiety and depression. Furthermore, 44% were at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms. Lebanese HCWs have faced significant psychological trauma in recent years, underscoring the need for mental health awareness campaigns and targeted training for HCWs.

Keywords: beirut explosion; healthcare workers; mental health; psychological distress; public mental health.

Publication types

  • Review