Perceived stress and its effect on mental health in doctors doing covid 19 duties: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: COVID 19 pandemic has continued to affect the economy and healthcare worldwide. Healthcare systems and healthcare workers have been pushed to the limits in coping with the burden of COVID 19. This has affected the mental stamina and psyche of the healthcare workers
Materials & Methods: 205 participants met the inclusion criteria during the study period. Eight were excluded due to incomplete responses and refusal to consent. The remaining 197 participants were sent an online link with questions regarding their clinical activity, PSS - 10 – C, PHQ4. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22.
Result: Most of the sample were females (56%) and interns (64%). Fear of transmitting the infection to family members, losing career advancements, spending long periods in isolation after COVID duties were found to be ongoing stressors. 73% of the sample had some form of psychological distress, with 7% reporting severe symptoms. Despite the distress, 76% reported being proud to be a frontline worker.
Conclusion: The COVID pandemic has stretched the health systems to the limits over the past two years all around the world. Health care workers continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic. The work schedules, increased responsibilities, disturbed biological functions, decrease in social interactions have continued to cause psychological distress like anxiety, depression, burnout, compassion fatigue in healthcare professionals. Appropriate interventions are required at various levels of the health system.