Psychological impact and coping strategies in health-care workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic at a dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 hospital: A cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Smita Nikhil Panse, Disha Devang Parikh, Manjeet S Santre, Gaurav P Wadgaonkar, Shwetali D Gholap, Kalyani A Raidurg, Jyoti B More, Arvind V Karad, Nimish S Meshram, Rachit S Sikchi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2021-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry
• Subjects: coping strategies; coronavirus disease 2019; healthcare workers; pandemic; psychological impact
• Online Access: http://www.indjsp.org/article.asp?issn=0971-9962;year=2021;volume=37;issue=1;spage=98;epage=104;aulast=Panse

Background: Health-care workers (HCWs) are on the frontline dealing with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic all over the world. Several hospitals in India are now functioning as Dedicated COVID-19 Hospitals (DCH). This study has been designed to understand the psychological impact of the pandemic in HCWs at a DCH. Objectives: the objective of the study was to assess psychological impact and coping strategies in HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic at DCH. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a DCH. The study used a semi structured questionnaire for demographic details and the tools-Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Brief COPE for assessing psychological impact and coping strategies, respectively, in HCWs willing to participate. Chi-square test was applied to establish an association between the demographic variables and psychological symptoms and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation between coping strategies and psychological symptoms. Results: Out of 136 participants, 43.4% (n = 59) had at least one of the symptoms among stress, anxiety, or depression on the DASS-21 scale. Resident doctors and nurses had a higher incidence of psychological symptoms (P = 0.009, χ2 = 13.58, df = 5). The presence of chronic illness was significantly associated with psychological symptoms (P = 0.036, χ2 = 4.38, df = 1). Higher values on the anxiety (ρ = 0.216, P < 0.05) and depression (ρ = 0.226, P < 0.05) subscales correlated with the increased use of avoidant coping strategies. Conclusions: There is significant psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs. Regular assessment and mental health interventions must be part of the pandemic management. Building positive approach coping strategies can reduce stress and other psychological symptoms.