The FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS EXPOSED TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 WORKING AT MAYO HOSPITAL, LAHORE.

Abstract

Background:

Facing the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, health care providers especially those on the frontline and directly involved in the management of COVID patients faced severe mental health problems as compared to general population.

Objective:

To evaluate the factors associated with mental health outcomes among health care providers working in Mayo Hospital, Lahore.

Methods:

Out of 200, 100 participants working in different departments of Mayo Hospital completed the survey by filling an online questionnaire comprising 23 questions during period of one month June 01, 2020 to July 01, 2020. Participants were assessed for symptoms of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, poor concentration on work and indecisiveness. Particular COVID-19 related risk factors were also studied.

Results:

Among the respondents, 68.5% were females and 31.5% were males. 87.6% were doctors and remaining 12.4% belonged to other departments of health care system. 65.2% participants reported symptoms of anxiety, 41.6% reported deterioration in performance, 50% hopelessness, 61.8% symptoms of depression, 41.6% lack of concentration at work and 30.3% reported studying COVID related information in free time. Severe symptoms were reported in frontline workers, female gender, young age and having a close friend or relative infected.

Conclusions:

This study analyses the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of health care providers either directly or indirectly involved in managing patients categorizing the health care providers as high risk population. It also highlights the measures which need to be taken to reduce these psychological effects.