Psychological impact of Covid-19 pandemic among the Healthcare workers in a North-Eastern state of India

BACKGROUND: Previous studies done during SARS 2003 outbreak and early reports related to COVID-19 show that healthcare workers experience considerable anxiety, stress and fear. Although similar studies were done in other parts of India, there is dearth of data on this topic in the Northeastern region. AIM: This study aimed to assess the mental health status of Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 pandemic in the region. METHODS: The study was conducted among the doctors and nurses of a Northeastern state of India through an online survey. PHQ-9, GAD-7 and ISI scales were used to assess depression, anxiety and insomnia among the participants. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and insomnia among the HCWs was 74.5%, 42% and 32%, respectively. Moderate to Severe form of depression, anxiety and insomnia was experienced by 15.5%, 20.5% and 8.5%, respectively. Females and those who directly cared for Covid-19 patients were more prone to suffer from depression. Participants who reported having previous history of any psychological problems reported eight-fold, seven-fold and three-fold increased odds of developing depression, anxiety and insomnia, respectively, during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of HCWs reported symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia among the healthcare workers. Protecting the mental health of these health workers is paramount to ensure psychological wellbeing, which in turn will ensure a healthy and robust workforce. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Improves the productivity of Healthcare workers in terms of Patient care and Management.