Highlights
This study showed the psychological impact of COVID-19 in community pharmacists.
Up to 35% of pharmacists reported psychological disturbances.
Interventions to promote mental well-being of healthcare workers need to be developing.
Background
COVID-19 outbreak can impact mental health including health care workers.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the mental health impact of COVID-19 in French General Practitioners (GPs).
Methods
We carried out a postal-based survey during the first lockdown. Four psychological validated self-report questionnaires were used to assess stress
,
post-traumatic stress symptoms, burnout and self-efficacy (Perceived Stress scale, Impact of Event Scale-revised, Maslach Burnout Inventory and General Self-Efficacy scale).
Results
The sample consists of 332 general practitioners (43.50% women, mean age = 50.74 ± 11.91). General practitioners working in high epidemic location represented 27.71% of the sample (
n
= 92). Thirty four GPs reported significant post-traumatic stress symptoms (10.59%). High burnout symptoms were found in 79 (24.46%), 137 (42.41%) and 17 (5.26%) participants. Only General Self-Efficacy scores were significantly different according to epidemic location status with lower scores in GPs working in high epidemic location (33.37 ± 4.64 vs. 32.06 ± 5.43;
P
= 0.04). Women reported more stress and burnout symptoms than men (
P
= 0.01).
Conclusions
This study showed the psychological impact of COVID-19 in GPs during the sanitary lockdown period including burnout and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Up to 42% of GPs reported psychological disturbances. Interventions to promote mental health well-being of healthcare workers need to be developing.
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