Risk Perception Associated with Covid-19 Pandemic among Anesthetists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the anesthesiologists are involved in the riskiest interventions e.g. airway management, and resuscitation. So, they are subjected to a higher risk of infection compared to other medical specialties. This study aimed to assess the level of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder during COVID-19 pandemic among anesthesiologists. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, hospital-based survey conducted after getting IRB approval. The primary outcomes are to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among anesthesiologists working in Saudi Arabia. The secondary outcomes include the association of the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics with mental health in the study sample. The survey sent to the target participants using a web-based software platform (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZJ98BTJ) though the Saudi Society of Anesthesia. The study sample included anesthesiologists and their allied health care providers (nurses and technicians) involved in the management of COVID-19 patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and the ranked data for each level for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD were presented as numbers and percentages. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential influence factors on the outcomes. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The survey sent to (1024) anesthesiologists and anesthetists, through the Saudi Anesthesia Association (SAS). A total number of 347 participants involved in the survey with a response rate (33.887%), while 296 of them completed the survey and included in the statistical analysis. Males represented (71.3%) of the sample, Saudis (58.8%), two-thirds aged 30-50 years, (83.4%) were married, physician anesthesiologists represent (81.3%). The prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among the included sample were (25.3%, 29.4%, and 30.7%) respectively. The following factors were associated with a higher prevalence of psychological stress: age categories below 40 years, being unmarried, those having relatives diagnosed with COVID-19, unsatisfied by the safety measures, smoking habits, and among female gender compared to males. Also, the prevalence of stress was higher among resident anesthetists compared to the nurses, technicians, and consultants. The association of psychological outcomes and other factors were inconsistent. OrigiNAl rESEArcH