Evaluation of Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical and Dental Students and Frontline Health Care Workers

Abstract

Background: The recent global crisis afflicted by Coronavirus has led to psychological consequences like anxiety, fear and insecurity among health care workers. Fear of contracting infection and transmitting to close contacts has emerged as a serious concern. Through this study, we aimed to evaluate different psychological sequel experienced by medical and dental students and frontline health workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross sectional online survey was opted using a link platform targeting frontline health care workers and medical students. Data was collected from September until November 2020. Descriptive statistics was used to address demographic characteristics of participants. Associations among selected qualitative variables were determined using Chi square test. All analysis was done by using SPSS and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A collection of 391 responses was received. There were 266(68%) female and 125(32%) male participants. Vulnerability of family members to COVID-19 was the major concern as reported by 264(67.5%) which was significantly higher among nurses 38(84.4%) and paramedical staff 25(100%) with a p-value <0.001. Around 43(95.6%) nurses and 24 (96%) paramedical staff members were experiencing sleep disturbances p<0.001. Majority 65(90%) physicians had a concern of missing important scientific events. Only 144(36.8%) participants believed vaccination would be effective against COVID-19.

​​Conclusion: The fear of contracting infection and transmitting to family members has created an overall negative impact on mental health of health care workers. This generates the need to conduct high quality research focusing on addressing measures to promote psychological resilience among health care workers.

Keywords: COVID-19; Anxiety; Mental Health; Pandemics.