Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented stress on healthcare providers worldwide, impacting their mental well-being. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the psychological distress experienced by Bangladeshi healthcare providers, focusing on the fear of infection and anxiety during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a sample of healthcare professionals across various medical settings in Bangladesh. Participants were assessed using standardized psychological distress scales (GHQ-28), including the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) and the Bangla version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), to measure fear of infection and anxiety, respectively. Demographic and professional variables were also collected.
Results
Preliminary findings indicate a significant prevalence of psychological distress among Bangladeshi healthcare providers, with elevated levels of anxiety and fear of infection. The study reveals potential correlations between psychological distress and demographic factors such as age, gender, and professional experience.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the critical issue of psychological distress among healthcare providers in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the mental health challenges faced by frontline workers.