Coronavirus disease 2019 has spread rapidly over the globe and has put an unprecedent psychological pressure on
health care workers (HCWs). The present study aimed at quantifying the psychological consequences of the
COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs during and after the first wave and identify sociodemographic, situational, and
psychological risk/protective factors for symptoms severity. An online survey was sent by e-mail to all nurses and
physicians employed by a teaching hospital in Brussels, Belgium. 542 (20,62%) completed the survey. 47%, 55%,
32% and 52% of participants reported posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms,
respectively, during the peak. Two to three months later, posttraumatic symptoms emerged de novo in 54% of
HCWs. It persisted in 89% of those presenting severe symptoms initially. Neuroticism was the strongest predictor
of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Work overload was the strongest predictor of depression and
second predictor of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Other significant predictors included being a
nurse, the number of past traumatic experiences, avoidant coping style, and expressive suppression of emotions