Quality of Life of Health Care Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Abstract

Introduction: Nature of disease, poor working conditions, prolonged work duration, stigma, and discrimination in the community have worsened the well-being of health care professionals in COVID-19. This survey is conducted to understand the quality of life and its key determinants among health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a low middle-income country like India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using a Google form-based online questionnaire survey was planned at two COVID dedicated centers of New Delhi. A convenience sample of 300 HCWs involved in patient care at the study sites was studied using an SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life assessment and a self-made questionnaire (risk exposure assessment). Results: In the study, 61.0% were males and 40.72% were females across all specialties. The majority (77%) were single and 81.4% were from the age group of 20 to 30 years. 84% of the study subjects belonged to clinical specialties. Nearly 56% of study subjects reported being not satisfactory or uncomfortable in the personal protective equipment (PPE). Shortage of PPE was reported by 10% of study subjects. The majority (82.35%) of study subjects were satisfied with the quality of PPE. Satisfaction of the study subjects was less than satisfactory among food provided, accommodation, and transport facilities. Social isolation (70.5%) and lockdown restraints (57.6%) were reported by the majority of study subjects. The median score for the domain of general vitality was 55, for the emotional domain was 33, and for social was 62. The domains of quality of life were not significantly affected by place of work, discipline, age, sex, and type of work. Conclusion: The overall well-being of HCWs was affected during the pandemic mostly across mental, social, and general vitality domains. Social isolation was a key concern reported by the majority of HCWs.