Burnout and Anxiety Among Health Care Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic In Indian Subset

Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) undoubtedly is having a sustained psychological impact on healthcare professionals, as such frontline workers are particularly at risk. Actions are needed to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 on mental health by protecting and promoting psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers during and after the outbreak. In light of the unprecedented public health crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, it is thereby crucial to acknowledge the psychological impact of this mounting threat.

To determine various healthcare professional’s views on the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and to present their concernsas well as assess their stress and burnout levels along with evaluation of awareness and measures of prevention utilized by them during the testing times.

The study utilised a survey form developed by researchers as data collection tool. Research was conducted on 242 health care professionals in the Indian population using online survey method. Appropriate statistical methods, chi-square analysis, Kruskal Walis test and Mann Whitney U test using SPSS version 21 were employed in analysis of the data. Finalised questionnaire was composed of three parts asking background information, questions about the stress caused by the COVID-19, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale; Evaluation of awareness and preventive measures against Covid-19 pandemic.

Doctors were found to be most anxious of different HCW’s with higher anxiety in females and use of television as the most preferred source of information.

Results of the present study showed that although health care workers provide services to COVID-19 diagnosed patients, they are not protected against the risk of infection.