Abstract

Context: Frontline healthcare professionals form a distinct group of vulnerable individuals who are exposed to high risk of infection, particularly during a pandemic. Their safety and wellbeing need multilevel, multi-dimensional interventions. Present study was carried out in a rural based Government designated tertiary level Covid hospital to analyze self-care practices, socio-demographic, professional, clinical, biochemical profile and psychological consequences in healthcare professionals (HCP) suffering from Covid-19.
Material and Methods: Socio-demographic profile, awareness and use of personal protective devices, clinical, biochemical profiles of 100 HCP admitted in non-critical wards were studied. Post-traumatic stress disorder assessment, depression and anxiety screening were carried out.
Results: There were 51 males, 49 females (mean age: 32.81 years). 44 paramedical sta ff, 56 doctors. Work experience of 53% of participants was >5 years. Bodyache, headache, fatigue were commonest symptoms. Adequate use of mask and gloves for all/most of the time was reported by majority of HCP during duty/off-duty hours. PTSD score was positive in 63% participants, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) score and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) scores were positive in 50% and 58.06% respectively. Female HCPs reported higher levels of depression and anxiety. There was statistically significant association between work experience and GAD-2 score.
Conclusion: Majority of HCP developed some form of psychological distress independent of severity of illness, which was more common in females and those having work experience of less than 5 years and more than 10 years. Study suggests that psychological disturbances need to be addressed in HCP afflicted with even with mild illness.

Key words: COVID-19. Health care professionals, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression