Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Hospital Staff in India during COVID-19 Pandemic

Lokesh Kumar Ranjan; Pramod R Gupta; Nilesh Maruti Gujar; Shefali Baraik

doi:10.34293/sijash.v8i3.3526

Lokesh Kumar Ranjan Psychiatric Social Worker, Central India Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Dewada, Chhattisgarh, India
Pramod R Gupta Psychiatrist and Director, Central India Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Dewada, Chhattisgarh, India
Nilesh Maruti Gujar Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, India
Shefali Baraik Clinical Psychologist, Central India Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Dewada, Chhattisgarh, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34293/sijash.v8i3.3526

Keywords: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Hospital staff, Quality of life, COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Hospital staff has been constant and at the forefront to provide treatment services to the patient with risk of COVID-19 infection. The fear and uncertainty forced by the COVID-19 pandemic have become a risk for physical and psychological health among health care professionals.

Aim: To explore the stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hospital staff working in general and mental health hospitals during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The present survey was an online study among hospital staff in India. We received a total of 373 responses by the stipulated time from hospital staff - participants with written consent diverted for further study. Socio-demographic datasheet, quality of life (QOL- BREF), depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) were included in the Google form.

Results: The results showed 2.4% of depression, 6.3% of anxiety, and 5.9% of stress among hospital staff. Nursing staff, physicians, and lab technicians had higher stress, anxiety, and depression. The result also revealed 4.3% physical, 16.6% psychological, 65.4% social, and 21.7% environmental health had a poor level of QOL in hospital staff.

Conclusion: Healthcare workers are stressed, anxious, and depressive while working in the COVID-19 pandemic situation. To sustain and develop quality in healthcare services, physical and psychological wellness programs can enhance mental health and quality of life among hospital staff.