Evaluation of fear levels of anesthetists and prophylaxis practices in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Due to the working areas of anesthesiologists, the possibility of encountering COVID-19 positive or suspected patients is very high. In this study, it was aimed to raise awareness by determining the fear of COVID-19, medical prophylaxis, isolation and general approaches of the anesthesiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic process. Method: Faculty members, specialist and residents, specialists working in the field of anesthesia all over Turkey were included in the study. The link of the questionnaire prepared including demographic data, COVID-19 fear scale, perceived fear level and medical prophylaxis they used was sent online to anesthetists via e-mail and WhatsApp. Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven participants responded to the questionnaire and the answers of the respondents were analyzed. While 19% of the participants indicated that they had met with COVID-19 positive or suspected patients every day, and 10.2% of them stated that they never had contact with them. Fear of Covid-19 was statistically significantly higher in women, specialists and participants with chronic diseases (p=0.003, p=0.024 and p=0.014, respectively). Anesthetists working in the COVID 19 intensive care unit at the beginning of the pandemic had a higher level of perceived fear (p=0.006). Covid-19 scores of anesthetists who changed their smoking habits were found to be statistically significantly higher (p<0.001). About half of the anesthetists were taking vitamin supplements for prophylaxis, while one fourth were using hydroxychloroquine. Conclusion: As a result of these findings, it is seen that the fear of Covid-19, in anesthetists, causes notable psychological effects and need for prophylaxis. We hope that these data will raise awareness in the near and distant future to protect the mental health of anesthetists and to reduce their fears by psychological support.