Features of the mental state of doctors of various specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden on healthcare professionals at all levels has increased significantly, especially those who are at the forefront of the fight for patients' lives. Physicians directly caring for COVID-19 patients are exposed to excessive stress and significant biological and psychosocial risk. Objective. To identify the features of the mental state of doctors of various specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The study included 85 doctors of the Arkhangelsk region: 41 anesthesiologists/intensive care physicians (mean age 32.4+/-5.0 years) and 44 general practitioners (mean age 38.9+/-4.2 years). The study was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (from May to June 2021). We used the following study methods: questionnaire, psychological testing (K. Maslach and S. Jackson Burnout Inventory (MBI), Beck's Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index), mathematical and statistical processing of empirical data. Results and discussion. Analysis of the results showed that about half of the surveyed general practitioners and only 3 (7.3%) of the anesthesiologists/intensive care physicians had a history of COVID-19, having contracted it while performing professional duties. Manifestations of maladaptation, such as low professional competence, lack of soft skills, aggressiveness, introversion, risktaking, recklessness, and family problems, are more pronounced in anesthesiologists/intensive care physicians. They were more likely to have negative emotions and feelings, were less satisfied with themselves and life in general, and had a lower well-being index than general practitioners. General practitioners overestimated their professional burnout severity and more often complained about their state of health. Correlation analysis of the examination results for anesthesiologists/intensive care physicians allowed us to identify direct relationships between the level of perceived stress, overstrain and depression, low mood, difficulties in relationships with relatives and colleagues, dissatisfaction with various aspects of life, inverse relationships between the level of perceived stress and the well-being index. In general practitioners, direct relationships were established between perceived stress and overexertion, and inverse relationships were established between the level of perceived stress, the well-being index, and the reduction of personal achievements. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts anesthesiologists/intensive care physicians more than general practitioners, causing negative emotions and maladaptation. In primary care physicians, the pandemic increases mobilization processes to address emerging professional challenges. Therefore, special attention should be paid to psychological support for anesthesiologists/intensive care physicians.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.