Depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances in doctors and general population during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess and compare depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances among doctors and general population during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical, case–control, web-based study was conducted during September 2020 to examine the impact of pandemic on mental health. The participants completed basic sociodemographic questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Results: Of the 321 participants, 320 provided basic data, 22 were on psychotropics. Out of the 298, 286 were matched for age and sex and were included. On DASS-21, 41.27% of doctors and 30.76% of general population reported depression; 40.56% doctors and 26.57% general population had anxiety; 38.46% of the doctors and 24.48% of general population reported stress. Statistical analysis revealed that doctors had significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress as compared to general population. On the AIS, more doctors (48.25%) suffered from insomnia compared to the general population (37.06%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Physicians have significantly higher anxiety and stress while dealing with COVID-19 compared to general population.

Keywords

• anxiety
• covid-19
• depression
• insomnia
• stress