Abstract:Objective To understand the level of post-traumatic stress response and group differences of health care workers (HCWs) during the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and propose suggestions and opinions to effectively restore the psychological state of HCWs after the epidemic. Methods From June to July in 2020, the information of public hospitals in 19 provinces and autonomous regions of China was collected by conve-nient sampling, HCWs on duty during COVID-19 epidemic period were investigated, the questionnaire included demographic data, social capital, sense of control and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, correlation analysis and hierarchical regression were adopted for data analysis. Results A total of 760 available questionnaires were collected, 315 HCWs participated in the treatment of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. There was a certain degree of PTSD in HCWs, which was at a medium level (2.2155-2.9385). After experiencing COVID-19 epidemic, doctors showed higher tendency of avoidance, intrusion and arousal than nurse group, differences were all statistically significant (all P < 0.05). HCWs in designated hospitals for COVID-19 treatment had higher avoidance response than HCWs in non-designated hospitals, difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). HCWs who directly participated in treatment of COVID-19 had high level of avoi-dance, intrusion and arousal than HCWs who didn't directly participate in treatment of COVID-19, difference were all statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Structural capital (r=0.566), interpersonal capital (r=0.577) and cognitive capital (r=0.596) had significant positive effect on the sense of control of HCWs. Structural capital (r=-0.166), interpersonal capital (r=-0.177) and cognitive capital (r=-0.168) had significant negative effect on PTSD of HCWs. Sense of control (r=-0.179) had significant negative effect on PTSD of HCWs. Conclusion Structural capital, interpersonal capital and cognitive capital perceived by HCWs can effectively suppress the formation and development of PTSD through enhancing their sense of control, hospitals should take measures to reduce the impact of PTSD by improving HCWs' sense of social capital and sense of control.