Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Anesthesiologists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline health-care workers (HCWs) including anesthesiologists have been fatigued due to long working hours in critical care units or operation theaters and necessity to remain available on call at odd hours. In addition, the exposure to numerous diseased and morbid patients throughout the prolonged pandemic period has predisposed them to psychological distress.

Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the depression and anxiety among the HCWs during COVID. The demographic and general information of 237 HCWs across India, through an online survey was collected and analyzed.

Results: The male: female ratio of the studied population was 53:47. In addition, 50% of the participants were aged <35 years, and 80% of participants were married and living with family and parents. The consultants working in combined (COVID and non-COVID) areas exhibited maximum participation in the survey, with 80% of them involved in aerosol-generating procedures. Of the total, 73.1% of participants exhibited depression, 45.8% of participants exhibited anxiety, 36.2% of participants exhibited stress, and 25.3% of participants exhibited disturbed sleep patterns.

Conclusions: Most HCWs on COVID-19 duty exhibited emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. Addressing risk factors identified in the present study with targeted interventions and psychosocial support will allow health-care workers to cope better.

Keywords: Anesthesiologists; COVID-19; mental health.