COVID-19 Pandemic- Knowledge, Perception, Anxiety and Depression Among Frontline Doctors of Pakistan

Abstract

BackgroundCOVID-19 is a global pandemic and has become a major public health burden worldwide. With already fragile healthcare systems it can have long lasting effects in developing countries. Outbreaks especially a pandemic situation evokes fear related behaviors among healthcare professionals and there is always an increased risk of mental health disorders. Therefore, this study aims to determine knowledge and perception about this pandemic, prevalence and factors associated with depression/ anxiety among frontline physicians of Pakistan.MethodsData were collected through an online survey released in the last week of March-2020. 389 frontline physicians from all four provinces and 65 cities of Pakistan participated. Survey questionnaire consisted of 4 parts including informed consent section, demographic section, knowledge and perception about COVID-19 pandemic and assessment of depression through World Health Organization Self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). A score of 8 or above on SRQ-20 was used as cut-off to label the participant as depressed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version22.ResultsA 43% prevalence of depression/anxiety among frontline physicians of Pakistan was reported. Almost all the doctors had moderate to high knowledge score. Majority of participants marked N-95 mask as essential while aerosol generating procedures, assessing patients with respiratory symptoms, in COVID patient care area, ER triage and direct care of COVID-19 patient. Only 12% of the doctors were fully satisfied with the provision of PPEs and almost 94% felt unprotected.In multivariable model, the odds of depression was high in physicians who were assessing more than five COVID suspects/patients per day (aOR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.65 – 4.52), who were working 20 hours/week or less (aOR=2.11, 1.27 – 3.49), had children among household members (aOR= 1.58, 95% CI: 1.00 – 2.50) and had moderate to low knowledge of the infection (aOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.68 – 4.31).ConclusionDepression/anxiety among more than a third of frontline doctors of Pakistan warrants the need to address mental health of doctors caring for patients during this pandemic; control modifiable factors associated with it and explore the effectiveness of interventions to promote psychological well-being of physicians.

COVID-19 pandemic fear and anxiety among healthcare professionals in Pakistan

“…According to the results of this study, females have more anxiety as compare to males which are in agreement with the outcome of other studies (37,38). Moreover, the results of different studies performed in Pakistan to analyze the anxiety levels of HCPs are in accordance with the finding of the current study (27,39). On the other hand, we have also noticed that the level of anxiety among the pharmacist is less as compared to medical doctors, dentists, and nurses.…”

“…We analyzed that more than 95% of the HCPs of Pakistan are under the category of moderate level of anxiety to a severe level of anxiety. A study recently conducted in Pakistan has demonstrated similar findings (29).…”

COVID-19 pandemic fear and anxiety among healthcare professionals in Pakistan

“…Moreover, the results of different studies performed in Pakistan to analyze the anxiety levels of HCPs are in accordance with the nding of the current study (27,39). On the other hand, we have also noticed that the level of anxiety among the pharmacist is less as compared to medical doctors, dentists, and nurses.…”

“…We analyzed that more than 95% of the HCPs of Pakistan are under the category of moderate level of anxiety to a severe level of anxiety. A study recently conducted in Pakistan has demonstrated similar ndings (29).…”

“…A recent study demonstrates that more than 50% of health professionals report symptoms of depression, insomnia, and anxiety (26). In Pakistan few other studies have been carried out to evaluate the knowledge, anxiety, and fear among medical doctors, dentists, and nurses (27)(28)(29)(30)(31).…”