Impact of COVID-19 on resident doctors

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

COVID 19 is a serious threat to the physical as well as the mental health of Resident Doctors as they are one of the front-line warriors of this pandemic. This present study has been done to quantify the mental health issues of the resident doctors to address their needs.

METHODOLOGY:

A Cross sectional study was done on Resident Doctors in Chengalpattu Medical College & Hospital with purposive sampling for 2 months during COVID Pandemic June and July 2020. Participants were assessed with Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 (DASS – 21)

RESULTS:

51.9% of the resident doctors had depressive symptoms. 45.6% reported with anxiety symptoms ,12.3% of felt stressed. History of Mental illness and Hypothyroidism had a significant association with depressive symptoms. There is a significant positive association of stress with depressive & anxiety symptoms and also depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with each other.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

COVID 19 has a direct effect in the mental well-being of the resident doctors as significant number of them present with complaints of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. These symptoms need to be assessed by an in-person diagnostic interview for further management.