Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Psychiatry, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Covid‑19 outbreak has led to an unprecedented burden on the healthcare
infrastructure. High morbidity and mortality rates have resulted in a state of stress and distress among
the general population which has also impacted health professionals.
AIMS: This study was conducted to identify mental health disturbances among health professionals
during the Covid‑19 pandemic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross‑sectional study, conducted in a Medical College
in Himachal Pradesh, India. A self‑administered anonymized questionnaire was administered to
the healthcare workers. Mental health status was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire
Anxiety‑Depression Scale (PHQ‑ADS). In addition, a 15‑item questionnaire was prepared to identify
the probable causes of stress in HCWs during the Covid‑19 Pandemic. A statistical analysis used
t‑test was used to find the significance of the correlation between the PHQ‑ADS score and the
agreement score of different factors.
RESULTS: The response rate for the questionnaire was 27%. Anxiety and depression were seen in
29% of participants, ranging from mild (18.3%), moderate (4.7%), and severe (5.9%). Among females
43.7% of the participants and among males, 13.1% had anxiety and depression. High PHQ‑ADS
scores were seen in nursing staff (70%) and postgraduate students (30%), who were in the third
decade of life. Most (81.7%) of the HCWs were concerned about transmitting the disease to their
near ones. Fear of coming to the hospital and dealing with patients.
CONCLUSION: Even sub‑threshold syndromes among HCWs need to be identified before they
evolve into overt diseases. The psychological needs of healthcare workers should be prioritized as
they are key players in the fight against Covid‑19.
Keywords
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