web-based cross-sectional survey to assess mental health of medical professionals during COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Background: There have been numerous studies about the health implication of COVID-19 on patients, but little attention has been paid to the impacts of the pandemic on physicians. Our paper attends to this gap by exploring the mental health of physicians in Madhya Pradesh, India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This study examined medical professionals' mental health outcomes by evaluating the prevalence and associated potential risk factors of anxiety and depression. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 100 Medical professionals. Seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to measure the anxiety and depression, respectively. Result: 36 % males and 34 % females had anxiety. 26 % males and 29 % females had depression and 38 % males and 37 % females none. Findings revealed that marital status, work per day and current job location were the main risk factors for anxiety while sex, age, and marital status were the main risk factors for depression. Conclusion: Our results highlight the need to implement policies and strategies for positively impacting the mental health of physicians during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.