Study of risk factors and psychological impact in physicians diagnosed with COVID-19: An online, postexposure, cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Healthcare workers (HCW's) who have contracted the disease while working in the hospital may have a deep psychological impact in the form of depression and anxiety, along with the stress of passing the infection to their family members. This study attempts to highlight the risk factors and psychological impact on doctors who have tested positive for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This online cross-sectional survey-based study enrolled all level doctors of all specialities of in Mumbai, India, who had tested positive for novel coronavirus. The survey questionnaire was a 26-item self-administered anonymous set of questions in English language only. This validated questionnaire was distributed by a link via Google forms for 1 week.

RESULTS

We received 51 completed responses. Most of them were (67%) postgraduate students. Forty-three (85%) respondents were working in a COVID-19 center. Twenty-three (45%) had a history of contact with these patients without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) with unknown COVID-19 status of the patient at the time of contact. Ten percent regretted their decision of becoming a doctor. Only half (51%) had family support during their illness and 45% relied on friends and colleagues in the hospital. Twenty-six percent mentioned having a low mood throughout the illness. A major portion of people (32%) having fear of severe illness and death.

CONCLUSION

Medical doctors working in direct contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 are at increased risk of contracting the infection and it has a major impact on physical and mental health of medical doctors.