THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC′S IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS′ MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Mental health has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to determine the effects on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among health professionals. Through an online survey, we collected data on socio-demographic factors, workplace, isolation characteristics, psychological factors and psychiatric history, with which we assessed the degree of depression and anxiety. Conclusive statistical correlations were observed between the rate of anxiety and depression and various work-related factors. Overall anxiety and depression scores are within the range established by previous studies. Personal protective equipment was of significant importance in our study, both in terms of its availability and in terms of how staff perceived its effectiveness. Anxiety rating has contrastively correlated with the possibility of treating COVID-19 patients instead of directly interacting with them and depression rating correlates with imposed regulations such as having to suspend private medical activity. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should benefit from interventions that promote psychological support, which can mitigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health.