Quality of life and perceived financial implications among otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 pandemic across India

OBJECTIVE: The changing trends in medical practice, uncertainties and monetary apprehensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic may influence the sense of well-being among otorhinolaryngologists. The present study was conducted to evaluate quality of life (QOL) and perceived financial implications in otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 pandemic across India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among otorhinolaryngology specialists across India using WHOQOL-BREF and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Financial Well-Being Scale questionnaires on Google Forms, which was kept open for the latter half of July 2020. RESULTS: A total of 358 responses were obtained; the response rate was 26.64%. Twenty-four percent of respondents worked exclusively in academic settings; 40.22% of specialists had over 10 years of work experience. Average monthly income in 2019 was between 1-3 lakhs Indian Rupees (INR) in 43.85%, while in 2020, 62.57% of the specialists had an average monthly income of below one lakh INR; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Mean WHOQOL-BREF scores for physical, psychological, social and environmental domains were 68.8 ± 1, 62.3 ± 0.75, 68.9 ± 1.17 and 65.8 ± 1.01, respectively; mean CFPB financial well-being scale score was 55.5 ± 0.66. QOL and financial well-being were better in otolaryngologists older than 60 years, male specialists and private consultants. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a tremendous impact on quality of life and financial well-being among otorhinolaryngologists in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study outcome may help otolaryngologists comprehend and perceive the extent to which it has affected their professional and personal lives, and explore ways to face and overcome the situation.