IMPACT of COVID-19 on the MENTAL HEALTH of HEALTHCARE WORKERS: PREDISPOSING FACTORS, PREVALENCE and SUPPORTIVE STRATEGIES

Abstract

The massive upsurge of hospitalizations and deaths in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on the psychological well-being of the healthcare workers (HCW) worldwide. The concern about being viewed as unfit for duty by employers or "mentally weak" was the primary reason given. In addition, a majority of HCWs insisted that improvements on the administrative front would have a better impact. An extensive literature review for this paper has been done through databases like Pubmed (Medline) and Google scholar to compile information from various sources. A study of the causative and exacerbating factors, corrective and preventative measures applied, and direct feedback from HCW reveals that much work is yet to be done to develop a satisfactory approach towards ensuring the mental wellbeing of one of the greatest assets in the fight against the pandemic.