Objectives To assess prevalence and related factors of sleep disturbances among Saudi physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through a questionnaire including items about demographic characters, knowledge about covid-19 and items to assess sleep quality that were extracted from Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. Results Prevalence of sleep disorders was 43.9%, doctors in the age group of 31–40 years, associate consultants had a significant higher prevalence of sleep disorders. Medical interns and laboratory/pathology/microbiology doctors had a significant more difficulty in fall asleep during COVID-19, and internists and surgeons had a significant higher percent of those who used sleeping pills. Resident doctors had a significant higher percent of having trouble in staying awake, and residents and consultants had a significant higher percent of those who suffered decreased sleep duration. Sleep quality during COVID-19 was very good, fair good and very bad in 23.4%, 60% and 3.5% of HCW respectively. The study observed a negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCW sleep quality. Hospitals administrations should provide optimal working hours with enough break and employ more doctors during the pandemic. Doctors experiencing sleep problems should have mandatory leaves.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted people\'s daily activities, including seeking medical care whenever it is must. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on elderly patients and chronic diseases patients\' refusal to visit the emergency department.(ED) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Makkah region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire distributed through social media. A total of 92 participants took part in this survey and were included in the statistical analysis. Information obtained from the participants included demographic data, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient\'s refusal to visit the ED, and the exacerbation of their medical conditions because of that refusal. Results: Unlike the expected, there was approximately a 10% increase in the number of emergency visits than the pre-pandemic period. However, among those who did not attend the ED despite having an emergency condition, the leading cause (70%) was the fear of catching COVID-19 infection. Diabetes patients displayed a significantly higher percentage of those who were worried about visiting the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic (p £ 0.05). Fortunately, a higher percentage did not state any further health consequences as a result of that refusal. Conclusion: ED visits were found to be increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the fear of being infected by COVID-19 was the main stated reason by respondents who refused emergency visits.