The Impact of Physicians’ COVID-19 Pandemic Occupational Experiences on Mental Health

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between a number of negative COVID-19 occupational experiences and probable anxiety, depression, and PTSD among physicians. METHODS: Cross-sectional examination of longitudinal registry data consisting of physician personal and occupational well-being. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between negative COVID-19 experiences and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 620 eligible physicians, approximately half were female (49%), and 71% white with a mean age of 46.51 (SD = 13.28). A one-point increase in negative experience score was associated with a 23% increase in probable anxiety (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14–1.34), a 23% increase in probable depression (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13–1.33), and a 41% increase in probable PTSD (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.30–1.52). CONCLUSIONS: Negative pandemic experiences were strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes while greater resilience was protective.