Psychological Changes in Doctors Working in Pediatrics, Gynaecology, Medicine and Surgery during Covid-19
Shahid Mahmood, AbidN azir Ch., Mumtaz Ali Bharo, UbedullahBahalkani, TasleemBano, Asma Tariq, Umber Rauf
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ABSTRACT
Aim: To detect
the psychological changes in doctors working in pediatrics, gynaecology, medicine and surgery during corona pandemic (COVID-19)
Study
design; cross sectional study.
Place and
Duration of Study: This study was conducted from January 2020 to April 2020 in
Gujrat.
Methods: Total 240
doctors working in pediatrics, gynaecology, medicine or surgery were selected
for study who had worked in the environment and area of the corona patients or area
of suspected corona patients or in any outpatient area where an unknown but
suspected corona patient can land. All doctors who left working during corona
virus pandemic were excluded from the study. Doctors included in the study were
asked specific questions to assess the changes in mental health and behavior
due to corona virus infection (COVID-19) in the world. Later on accompanying
individuals like family members or colleagues of that doctor were also inquired
about the change in behavior of that doctor before and after the eruption of
the corona virus infection.
Results: Total 240
doctors working in pediatrics, gynaecology, medicine or surgery were included
from January 2020 to April 2020. Out of 240 doctors, 98(40.8%) were female
doctors whereas 142(59.2%) were male doctors (TABLE
I).
Many risk factors causing changes in mental health and behavior in
doctors were detected including duty in
hospital during corona crises, Social distance, Personnel protective equipment
(PPE) use, fear of transmission of corona infection to their family members, both electronic & social media and discussion in community. One doctor might be affected by
multiple risk factors as well. Many unwanted changes in mental health and
behavior in doctors were observed including
changes in sleep, changes in appetite,
anger, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue and low energy, physical complaints
like stomachaches etc not responding to normal treatment, feeling of
hopelessness and increased sensitivity (TABLE III).
Conclusions:
Many unwanted changes were noted in the mental health and behavior
of the doctors working on front line for corona pandemic (COVID-19). These
unwanted changes can be prevented by controlling the avoidable risk factors.
Self safety is necessary at each and every level especially in danger zones.
After taking proper safety measures, doctors can perform all types of duties
for our beloved country Pakistan and humanity. Timely intervention, provision of necessary
equipment, counseling and motivation of the doctors can prevent the unwanted
changes in the mental health and behavior of doctors.
Keywords: Covid 19,
pandemic, paedistric, gynaecology, medicine, surgery
ABSTRACT
Aim: To detect
the psychological changes in doctors working in pediatrics, gynaecology, medicine and surgery during corona pandemic (COVID-19)
Study
design; cross sectional study.
Place and
Duration of Study: This study was conducted from January 2020 to April 2020 in
Gujrat.
Methods: Total 240
doctors working in pediatrics, gynaecology, medicine or surgery were selected
for study who had worked in the environment and area of the corona patients or area
of suspected corona patients or in any outpatient area where an unknown but
suspected corona patient can land. All doctors who left working during corona
virus pandemic were excluded from the study. Doctors included in the study were
asked specific questions to assess the changes in mental health and behavior
due to corona virus infection (COVID-19) in the world. Later on accompanying
individuals like family members or colleagues of that doctor were also inquired
about the change in behavior of that doctor before and after the eruption of
the corona virus infection.
Results: Total 240
doctors working in pediatrics, gynaecology, medicine or surgery were included
from January 2020 to April 2020. Out of 240 doctors, 98(40.8%) were female
doctors whereas 142(59.2%) were male doctors (TABLE
I).
Many risk factors causing changes in mental health and behavior in
doctors were detected including duty in
hospital during corona crises, Social distance, Personnel protective equipment
(PPE) use, fear of transmission of corona infection to their family members, both electronic & social media and discussion in community. One doctor might be affected by
multiple risk factors as well. Many unwanted changes in mental health and
behavior in doctors were observed including
changes in sleep, changes in appetite,
anger, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue and low energy, physical complaints
like stomachaches etc not responding to normal treatment, feeling of
hopelessness and increased sensitivity (TABLE III).
Conclusions:
Many unwanted changes were noted in the mental health and behavior
of the doctors working on front line for corona pandemic (COVID-19). These
unwanted changes can be prevented by controlling the avoidable risk factors.
Self safety is necessary at each and every level especially in danger zones.
After taking proper safety measures, doctors can perform all types of duties
for our beloved country Pakistan and humanity. Timely intervention, provision of necessary
equipment, counseling and motivation of the doctors can prevent the unwanted
changes in the mental health and behavior of doctors.
Keywords: Covid 19,
pandemic, paedistric, gynaecology, medicine, surgery