Psychological impact of COVID-19 on female health professionals

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization in January 2020 declared an outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, an international public health emergency. The suddenness of this calamity with no end in sight caused a great deal of stress, anxiety, and depression throughout the world. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact during the developing COVID-19 situation among female health professionals. Methods: This was an observation-based cross-sectional study conducted for a total of 3-month duration between August and October 2020. A structured questionnaire to assess the psychological impact was sent via the (email) electronic mail system, and responses were obtained from 343 female doctors. Results: The mean ± standard deviation values for age were found to be 39 ± 8 years. Insomnia, stress, and anxiety were seen in a majority of the respondents. Conclusions: The present study has shown severe psychological impact associated with the pandemic on female health-care workers and highlights the major factors associated.

Keywords

• anxiety
• depression
• insomnia
• psychological impact
• stress
• survey
• female health professionals