Impact Of COVID-19 On Mental Health of Female Healthcare Workers Working at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad & Jamshoro

Kenjher Soomro; Rai  Chand; Fozia  Jamal; Muhammad Sarwar  Khan; Anees  Ahmed; Aamir  Ramzan

doi:10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-4/006

Authors

Kenjher Soomro Liaquat Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan.
Rai Chand Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5115-1332
Fozia Jamal Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.
Muhammad Sarwar Khan Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.
Anees Ahmed Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.
Aamir Ramzan Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences,Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-4/006

Keywords:

COVID-19, Female Healthcare Workers, Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety, Depression , Work–Life Balance, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic placed an extraordinary psychological burden on healthcare workers, particularly females who face the dual responsibility of professional duties and household roles. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of female healthcare workers in a tertiary care setting in Pakistan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, and Jamshoro. A total of 282 female healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, house officers, emergency personnel, and administrative staff, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics and psychological health. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Most respondents (60.6%) were aged 25–30 years, 87.9% were postgraduates, 70% were married, and 72.7% were mothers. High levels of psychological distress were reported: 95.7% experienced physical exhaustion, 85.1% anxiety, 69.5% depression while managing COVID-19 patients, and 96.8% feared infecting their families. Moreover, 88.7% reported post-duty stress, 87.9% felt overburdened, and 83.7% struggled to balance work and home responsibilities. Although 98.2% recognized their mental health status and 94.0% prioritized it, 87.6% stated that workplace mental health support was inadequate.

Conclusion: Female healthcare workers experienced significant psychological distress during COVID-19, largely due to workload, emotional strain, and lack of institutional support. Provision of effective mental health services is essential to safeguard their well-being and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.

Author Biographies

Kenjher Soomro, Liaquat Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan.

Department of Community Medicine ,
Rai Chand, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan.

Department of Community Medicine,
Fozia Jamal, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.

Department of Community Medicine and Lecturer,
Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.

Department of Pathology and Associate Professor,
Anees Ahmed, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.

Department of Physiology,
Aamir Ramzan, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences,Thatta. Sindh. Pakistan.

Department of Pathology and Assistant Professor,

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