PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN KERALA.


Dr. Unnymaya M R
Research Associate, International Centre for Technological Innovations
Abstract
Mental health is a major concern as it is attributed to decreased quality of life and productivity in work. Psychological well being of all other professions discussed many times and interventions adopted. But the mental health of Health Care Workers (HCWs) are least mentioned and in this pandemic era it had raised its significance. This work aimed to identify the prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among front line HCWs deployed for COVID 19 patient care in reputed Hospitals in Kerala. The data collected by an online survey, circulated among frontline HWCs especially Doctors, Nurses and PG scholars. The sample size obtained was 130 participants in a random survey irrespective of gender. The data collection and analysis of the results was done using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD-7). Data revealed that HCWs on COVID 19 duty experience mild to moderate levels of depression and anxiety. In which anxiety is more prevalent in all categories. HCWs in younger age (25-28) are more responsible to take COVID care and they had moderate level of anxiety. Doctors experienced more psychological disturbances than nurses and PG Scholars. COVID 19 pandemic has significant levels of psychological disturbances in HCWs and it indirectly reflects in the patient care. It is recommended to take care of the mental health of HCWs by appropriate measures. HCWs should be aware of self care in the form of relaxation techniques like Yoga, Meditation and breathing exercises. There should be a team lead/supervisor to monitor the physical and mental wellbeing of each category of HCWs. Those who are identified with severe levels of symptoms referral, Yoga Therapy sessions and treatment should be ensured.
Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Psychological impact, COVID 19, Health Workers
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD)

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Published on : 2021-10-29

Vol : 6
Issue : 10
Month : October
Year : 2021
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