Psychological Impact on Health-care Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in South India during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the health-care infrastructure in the country. The steadily increasing number of cases and workload, inadequacy of healthcare infrastructure, and perceived lack of support contribute to psychological stress among health-care workers (HCWs). Aims: This cross-sectional survey estimated the prevalence and factors associated with depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Methodology: Randomly chosen HCWs who provided informed consent were recruited to the study and administered the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised, and the revised stigma scale to assess for depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms, common mental disorders, and stigma, respectively. Sociodemographic details were also recorded. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were obtained. Results: One hundred and twenty-seven participants completed the survey questionnaire. The overall prevalence of significant depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 31.5%, 26%, and 16.5%, respectively. Depressive symptoms were associated with younger age, being single, presence of medical illness in the family, current nicotine, and alcohol use. Anxiety symptoms were associated with younger age, being single, and working in a clinical area with potential for exposure to COVID-19 patients. The presence of children at home was associated with lower depressive or anxiety scores. Nearly 15.7% of the participants had a primary psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions: HCWs are at risk of experiencing psychological distress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that a supportive environment is essential to protect and promote the psychological well-being of HCWs during and after the outbreak. Early psychological interventions for those who require it can prevent long-term sequelae in this vulnerable group.