Anxiety Amongst Physicians During COVID-19: Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Ensuring safety and wellbeing of healthcare providers is crucial, particularly during times of a pandemic. In this study, we aim to identify the determinants of anxiety in physicians on duty in coronavirus wards or quarantine centers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey with an additional qualitative item. Overall, 103 physicians completed the questionnaire. T-test results revealed significant associations between gender and anxiety. Results: Structural equation modeling identified that high workload contributed to greater exhaustion (β=0.41, R2=0.17, p<0.001) and greater family strain (β=0.47, R2=0.22, p<0.001). Exhaustion (β=0.17, p<0.005), family strain (β=0.34, p<0.001), and feelings of protection (β=-0.30, p<0.001) significantly explained anxiety (R2=0.28). Qualitative findings further identified specific needs of physicians with regard to protective equipment, compensation, quarantine management, resource allocation, security and public support, governance improvement, and health sector development. Conclusions: It is imperative to improve governmental and social support for healthcare providers during the corona pandemic. Immediate attention is needed to reduce anxiety, workload, and family strain in frontline practitioners treating coronavirus patients, and to improve their (perceptions of) protection. This is a precondition for patient safety.

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Pakistani Muslims Coping with Health Anxiety through Religiosity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on working lives and psychological health of orthopedic surgeons in Pakistan

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