Screening of Depression and Anxiety Among Resident Doctors at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Gujarat during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Survey

BACKGROUND: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a public health emergency & pandemic, which has affected the world in several domains including financial & psychological. Resident doctors helping the community during this tragedy at frontline have also suffered from psychological problems during their duty. AIM: To screen for anxiety & depression among resident doctors of various departments involved/not involved in COVID-19 duty at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted on 175 resident doctors who were screened for depression using Public Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and for anxiety using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7). The study was conducted through an online survey using Google forms. RESULTS: Out of 175 resident doctors, 15.42% screened positive for depression requiring treatment and 15.42% for having significant anxiety. Significant association was found between depression & presence of any kind of symptoms and psychiatric comorbidity; between anxiety and gender, presence of psychiatric comorbidity & any kind of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested elevated levels of anxiety & depression due to COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need of early diagnosis & psychiatric intervention to help them cope with the issue.