Abstract:
Introduction: The outbreak of COVID-19 is taking an
unprecedented mental toll on health workers worldwide. So
it comes as no surprise that the mental well-being of health
care workers of Bangladesh too is in serious jeopardy. This
survey was aimed to assess the immediate psychological impact
on doctors working in largest Covid-19 dedicated facility in
Bangladesh, Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in a
single-centre with response received from participating
doctors between 31st May to 3rd June, 2020. Mental health
variables were assessed via the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS)
and Hospital Anxiety Depression Score (HADS).
Results: We received 192 completed questionnaires (response
rate, 64.43%) among whom around 50% of the participating
doctors reportedly have depression and anxiety symptoms
respectively. Among them 104 doctors (54.17%) responded to
have insomnia. Around 56% of the responding subjects
perceived the highly contagious nature of the SARS-CoV-2
as the most striking threat of COVID-19.
Conclusion: Agonizing disease process, high death toll,
highly contagious nature of the responsible virus is taking a
serious mental toll on physicians in the background of their
heightened concern about personal health and family health,
scarcity in PPE and adequate hospital facility. Psychological
protective measures implemented by the hospital could be
helpful.
Key words: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety,
Insomnia
(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38: 50-55)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v38i0.47446