This study investigated the main determinants of perceived stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) and their assessment of the risk of COVID-19 infection for themselves and their family members during the pandemic. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hong Kong between 19 March and 5 April 2020. Participants included HCWs from public hospitals, private dental practitioners, and their family members. A total of 747 HCWs and 245 family members responded. Greater negative changes in family relationships were linked to higher perceived stress among HCWs (p = 0.025). Nevertheless, HCWs’ stress levels were also positively correlated with stronger family cohesion (p = 0.033) and with the stress experienced by family members (p < 0.001). Higher satisfaction with hospital policies for COVID-19 was associated with reduced perceived stress and lower perceived risk of infection for both HCWs and their families. Previous frontline involvement during the SARS outbreak was associated with lower perceived infection risk for HCWs and family members. Factors such as hospital policies, prior SARS frontline experience, and family dynamics played a significant role in shaping HCWs’ psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
