Evaluation Of Anxiety, Depression and Stress Levels On Intensive Care Medical Personnel For Covid-19 Patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to early determine the changes of anxiety-depression-stress levels in ICU personnel working on COVID-19 patients, to set precautions so that they can feel secure and mentally relaxed during their work. METHODS: 1 month after starting to admit COVID-19 patients into our ICU, we planned a survey to determine abovementioned changes in healthcare personnel, using standard scales (perceived stress level, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory).Survey forms were filled in by 102 people in our ICU. RESULTS: The rates of depression [58.8% (n=60)], anxiety [67.6 % (n=69)] and average perceived stress scale score (29.92±6.86) were determined. Men’s perceived stress scale scores were statistically significantly lower than women’s. Compared to other groups, among the people who previously received psychiatric support, depression rate was higher in 5 of 6 patients (83.3%) and anxiety in 6 of 6 (100 %) patients. The rate of Beck Anxiety Inventory scores in men (51.4 %) were statistically significantly lower than in women (76.1 %). Similarly, prevalence of anxiety was at higher level (76.2 %) in healthcare personnel with children. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These outbreaks can re-occur in future and create more challenging cases. Therefore, countries should prepare their health systems, especially healthcare professionals, against sudden work overloads to prevent serious psychological problems in these professionals and in society. Healthcare personnel should receive support against mental problems and undergo periodical training to prevent further trauma and impact in future cases. Furthermore, in epidemic settings, preventive diagnosis and treatment studies should be carried out to tackle psychological problems commonly encountered in female healthcare personnel.