Physical and Psychological Problem of COVID-19 Infection in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus is among the pathogens that primarily target the respiratory system. Given the importance of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in the fight against COVID-19, their infection with the virus and death can cause irreparable damage to public health. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the physical and psychological implications of COVID-19 among HCWs. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, some well-known databases were searched for the studies published before 26 June 2020 using the following search strategy: “Novel coronavirus pneumonia”, “Nurses”, “Physicians”, “Medical Staff, Hospital”, “Health Personnel”, and “Community Health Workers”. Finally, 101 out of the 2234 primary screened articles were assessed. Results: Of the total studies included, 54 were related to Physical problems, and 47 were related to Psychosocial Stress. Skin damage (54.48%), Nasal bridge (58.79%), and Dryness tightness (58.57%) were the most common Physical Problems, and Insomnia (32.03%) and Distress (29.34%) were the most common psychosocial problems among HCWs. Conclusion: Training and awareness of the treatment staff about the unwanted side effects of these diseases should be considered in educational programs in different countries because patient care depends on their availability.

Keywords

• covid-19
• health personnel
• physical problems
• psychosocial stress
• systematic review