Mental health issues and coping among health care workers during COVID19 pandemic: Indian perspective

Asian J Psychiatr. 2021 Jul:61:102685. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102685. Epub 2021 May 14.

Abstract

Objectives: We assessed mental health issues among Indian health care workers (HCWs) and their coping strategies during COVID 19 pandemic.

Methodology: An online survey was conducted in 348 HCWs using PHQ-SADS and Brief-COPE inventory.

Results: Depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms were present in 54 %, 44.3 % and 54.6 % of HCWs and were more in those working in COVID19 areas. The nurses and female HCWs had more moderate to severe somatic symptoms. HCWs with moderate to severe symptoms used simultaneously both maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies.

Conclusion: The HCWs during COVID19 pandemic have significant mental health issues and use multiple coping strategies.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID 19; Coping; Depression; Health care workers; Somatic symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Female
  • Health Personnel* / psychology
  • Health Personnel* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Pandemics*