The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pharmacists as frontline health care providers in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Due to COVID-19, pharmacists have been exposed to a variety of dangers that have an impact on their mental health. The study highlights that impact of COVID-19 and work led to burnout among them. Thus, it is necessary to offer mental health services.

Aims: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on the work of pharmacy professionals and ascertain the extent of the influence of burnout on mental health among pharmacists working as frontline health providers in Nepal.

Methods: Pharmacists from Province 2, 3, and 5 in Nepal participated in a self-administered questionnaire that assessed mental health and wellbeing and burnout using 16-item OLBI. Data was collected from January 2023-March 2023. Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression were employed to identify any significant connections between burnout and mental health and wellbeing.

Results: Out of 243 participants, COVID-19 pandemic and work was found to have a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of a 33.7% of pharmacists. Participants reported having financial issues in 41.6% of cases and 9.5% considered leaving the profession and were concerned about the provision of service quality and making mistakes at work. A strong and meaningful positive relationship and linear regression were observed between exhaustion, disengagement, burnout, mental health and wellbeing. Pharmacists working part-time (p < 0.050) in hospital settings experienced burnout as a result of insufficient training, extended working hours, and stress both on and off the job.

Conclusions: Pharmacists are to prioritize a healthy work-life balance, which includes avoiding prolonged shifts >8 h, regular physical exercise and promote open communication among colleagues to address workplace concerns.

Keywords: Burnout; Disengagement; Exhaustion; Nepal; Wellbeing.

Fig. 1

Study area.