Abstract

All pandemic  have physical, psychological and socioeconomic effects, and COVID-19 was no exception. It caused a global increase in anxiety and depression because of its novelty, high infectivity, varied presentation and unpredictable mortality. Objective To study the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary care institute in North India. Design/Methods An online survey using SurveyMonkey was floated through Whatsapp among HCWs, using ‘chain-referral' sampling method. Print copies were also provided. Complete responses were included. The prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 respectively. Data analysis used IBM-SPSS software to calculate predictors of anxiety and depression. Results Altogether 949 HCWs completed the questionnaire, ranging from 24-65 years with 560 (59%) males. There were 194 (20.5%) doctors, 357 (37.6%) nurses, 19 (2.0%) technicians, 49 (5.2%) office staff, 100 (10.5%) housekeeping staff and 72 (7.6%) security guards among others. Approximately 38% (361) of the HCWs were anxious, with 13.3% having significant anxiety. Females were significantly more anxious (48.6%vs30.7%;p<0.001), as were clinical HCWs (50.1%vs21.8%;p<0.001) and HCWs <50years (41.4%vs20.5%;p<0.001). Those with regular salaries were less anxious than others (27.5%vs43.9%;p<0.001). Nearly 61% (574) HCWs were depressed, with 23% having significant depression. Depression was significantly more among HCWs <50years (67.5%vs44.4%;p<0.001) and clinical HCWs (65.3%vs53.8%;p<0.001). Income of 39% HCWs was affected, and 22% (207) reported increase in alcohol abuse. 54% reported that media sensationalism worsened anxiety. On regression analysis, female sex was an independent predictor of anxiety, while younger age and clinical work were independent predictors of anxiety and depression. Among the coping mechanisms, 48% pursued higher studies, 25% caught up on research, 31% engaged in hobbies with 28% learning a new hobby. The pandemic also brought 63% closer to their family and 71% closer to God. Conclusions Nearly 38% HCWs were anxious and 61% depressed. Female sex was an independent predictor of anxiety, while younger age and clinical work were independent predictors of anxiety and depression.