A Cross-Sectional Survey On the Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Doctors and Non-doctors in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is still showing fluctuating trends and rapidly increasing case numbers, naturally creating a significant air of panic and hopelessness. This study aimed to investigate the mental health status of doctors in comparison to non-doctors, and its suggestive determinants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during January–March 2021, using a convenience sampling technique. A sample size of 377 was calculated through RaoSoft (RaoSoft Inc., Seattle, Washington, USA) software. Inventories used are Zung Self-Assessment Anxiety Score (SAS) and Self-Assessment Depression Score (SDS), for the purpose of comparing different groups. The survey was distributed as an online Google form via social media. Results were evaluated by IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 (Endicott, New York, USA). Results: A total of 395 participants responded, out of which 10% showed extreme levels of anxiety. Among doctors, 14% had moderate levels of anxiety while 10% of unmarried respondents had extreme self-reported anxiety. Out of non-doctors, 15% showed signs of depression, among which a moderate level of depression was seen in 13% males, and severe depression was seen in 4% of married respondents. Higher depression scores were recorded in non-doctors, while there was no significant difference in anxiety levels of both groups. Conclusion: A significant impact on mental health has been noted in various groups of respondents, with severe depression as well as severe anxiety. This should be alarming enough to instigate authorities to conduct mental health programs to counter this negative impact of COVID-19. Quick interventions and strategies can save countries from a grim future.