Psychological Status of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Background: The 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic affecting the lower respiratory tract that is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov2). It has caused psychological stress on people around the world, particularly those in the medical field. The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of anxiety, depression, burnout, and the sources of anxiety among healthcare workers (HCW) in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. To determine the coping strategies of HCWs in dealing with mental health issues that may affect them during the pandemic.

Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out between May 2020 to November 2021 in Saudi Arabia. A Total of 260 HCW of both genders who are working in private and governmental hospitals were selected. However, non-healthcare workers such as technicians, administrators, clerical staff and maintenance workers were excluded.

Results: A total of 260 HCWs 98 (37.7%) doctors, 27 (10.4%) nurses, 6 (2.3%) pharmacists, 5(1.9%) physiotherapists, 113(43.5%) interns and 11 (4.2%) others, of whom 127 (48.8%) were male and 133 (51.2%) were female. The majority of participants aged from 20-29 years old 205 (78.5%), followed by 30-39 years old 26 (10%), 40-49 years old 18(6.9%), and 50-59 years old 10(3.8%), and 70-79 years old 1(0.4%). Around 42(16.2%) HCWs were working in ER, 82(31.5%) in wards, 83(31.9%) in outpatient clinics, 15(5.8%) were working in both wards and outpatient clinics, 6 (2.3%) in ICU and around 32(12.3%) in all demographics.

Conclusion: The results of this study illustrated the burden of psychological problems among different healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest that all health care workers (HCWs) were affected by varying degrees severity of anxiety and depression, insomnia and complaining from cardiovascular symptoms.