Level of anxiety and depression among health-care professionals amidst of coronavirus disease: A web-based survey from India

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers in India: A Mixed-methods Systematic Review

Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HCWs in India. We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review, which adopts a results-based convergent approach that incorporates quantitative and qualitative data. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in relevant databases: PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest. All available full-text studies in the English language that assessed the mental health outcomes (anxiety, stress, and depression) of HCWs during the pandemic and published until 28 February 2022 were included. A total of 31 studies were included in this review (27 quantitative studies, three qualitative studies, and one mixed-method study). The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among HCWs in India was 32.96%, 29.49%, and 33.47%, respectively. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings using social determinants of health framework resulted in various contributing factors and coping strategies. There is a need for a supportive work environment, mental health support, and mental health policies for HCWs in India.

Psychological implications of Covid-19 in healthcare workers

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.