Burnout or anxiety?! A medical trial regarding resident doctors in a first line University Hospital during COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported as a worldwide emergency. Due to the extensiveness of spread and death, it has been declared as a pandemic. Objectives To highlight how COVID-19 pandemic psycho-emotional affects the medical staff of a frontline University Hospital in the “battle” with new coronavirus. Methods We employed a cross-sectional survey of 71 resident doctors from a frontline Hospital after a one-year pandemic and analyzed the prevalence and associated factors with work-related psychological distress among our study group. Results Out of the hospital resident doctors, 71 participated and completed the questionnaire, offering an overall response rate of 100%. The majority of participants were women (86% - 61). The average age was 29 years. Most respondents were unmarried. A total of 67% of participants were non-smokers, 5% stated that they occasionally consumed alcohol, none of them used drugs. As a result of the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data, aspects related to anxiety (21.12% - 15), exhaustion (15.49% - 11), and depression (11.26% - 8) are highlighted. In our study, no people were identified who would reach extreme exhaustion in the work process, due to good resilience and due to a well thought out program of work and rest during the pandemic. Conclusions The psychological pressure at work, as well as the one felt after limiting and restricting mobility for shorter or longer periods, had an impact on the psycho-emotional state of health care workers, requiring further psychological reassessments and psychological support. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• burnout
• anxiety
• pandemic
• covid 19
• resident doctor
• hospital