This study aimed to investigate the risk perception and negative emotional responses of Chinese healthcare workers (HCWs) during two distinct phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify potential intervention points for psychological support in high-stress environments. A repeated cross-sectional design was employed, including a cohort of Chinese HCWs assigned to frontline duties. Demographic information, such as gender, profession, and work location, was obtained via questionnaires. Risk perception was measured using a COVID-19–adapted risk perception scale, and the Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) was used to assess negative emotions. Results demonstrated that risk perception and negative emotions among HCWs differed across gender, professional role, work location, and pandemic phase. The dominant negative emotion varied between periods; however, negative emotions consistently correlated with risk perception, serving as a strong indicator of perceived risk. This research highlights variations in risk perception and emotional responses among HCWs during different stages of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring of psychological indicators to ensure occupational safety and mitigate future pandemic risks.
