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. 2020 Sep;64(9):774-783.
doi: 10.4103/ija.IJA_697_20. Epub 2020 Sep 1.

COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological impact on anaesthesiologists

Ayushi Jain  1 , Geeta Singariya  1 , Manoj Kamal  2 , Mritunjay Kumar  3 , Ayush Jain  4 , Rajendra Kumar Solanki  1
Affiliations

COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological impact on anaesthesiologists

Ayushi Jain et al. Indian J Anaesth. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

Background and aim: The anaesthesiologists are at the highest risk of contracting infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in emergency room, operation theatres and intensive care units. This overwhelming situation can make them prone for psychological stress leading to anxiety and insomnia.

Materials and methods: We did an online self-administered questionnaire-based observational cross-sectional study amongst anaesthesiologists across India. The objectives were to find out the main causes for anxiety and insomnia in COVID-19 pandemic. Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used for assessing anxiety and insomnia.

Results: Of 512 participants, 74.2% suffered from anxiety and 60.5% suffered from insomnia. The age <35 years, female sex, being married, resident doctors, fear of infection to self or family, fear of salary deductions, increase in working hours, loneliness due to isolation, food and accommodation issues and posting in COVID-19 duty were risk factors for anxiety. ISI scores ≥8 was observed in <35 years, unmarried, those with stress because of COVID-19, fear of loneliness, issues of food and accommodation, increased working hours and with GAD-7 score ≥5. Adjusted odd's ratio of insomnia in participants having GAD-7 score ≥5 was 10.499 (95% confidence interval 6.097-18.080; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The majority of anaesthesiologists on COVID-19 duty suffer from anxiety and insomnia. Addressing risk factors identified during this study with targeted interventions and psychosocial support will help them to cope better with the stress.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; insomnia; mental health; psychology.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Severity of anxiety depending upon Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 score
Figure 2
Figure 2
Severity of insomnia depending upon Insomnia Severity Index
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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