A cross sectional study to assess the psychological impact of covid 19 on family medicine specialists and residents in Kerala

AIM: To study the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on family physicians and residents in Kerala. OBJECTIVES: 1. To evaluate mental health outcomes among family physicians and residents in Kerala involved in the COVID-19 response. 2. To quantify the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 3. To assess the potential risk factors associated with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress. BACKGROUND: Health care professionals dealing with COVID-19 are under increased work pressure and experience high rates of anxiety and depression. This is even more in family physicians as they are the frontline workers and may contract the disease themselves. So, it is imperative to assess and grade the psychological impact of COVID-19 on family physicians. METHODOLOGY: The study population included 80% of the family physicians and residents working in Kerala. This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in the month of January 2021 with the help of a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Sample size: 120. Depression and anxiety were measured using a 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: 0–21). Stress was computed using Perceived Stress Scale. The data were analyzed statistically by Chi-square and simple proportions. RESULTS: A total of 80% were directly involved in treating/dealing COVID-19 patients. A total of 55.83% had an economic impact due to COVID-19. A total of 95% agreed to be anxious about spreading the disease to people at home. The increased stress was mostly attributed to change in social habits/lifestyles. Residents had a higher PSS score compared to temporary and permanent employees. Compared to other age groups, borderline or abnormal depression scale was seen in the age group of 31–40 years and 21–30 years. Compared to males, more proportion of females had anxiety and depression scores. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative that we evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on family physicians in order to ensure their mental wellbeing and better productivity.