Pandemic heroes or victims? Healthcare professionals’ well-being during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction and aim: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental condition of the society, increasing anxiety and fear for the future. High levels of anxiety, stress and depression have been observed in the general population. Nurses and doctors, who are in direct contact with patients and their body fluids, are at the highest risk of infection. The aim of this study was to look at the psychiatric health aspects of health care professionals in general during the pandemic. State of knowledge: Work overload and stress-related symptoms make healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to mental distress, increasing the risk of developing mental disorders. Among them, women, students and nurses were most affected. A German study found that nurses working with COVID-19 patients in particular are mentally affected by the consequences of the pandemic. This may be due to the higher workload and the longer time spent in direct contact with COVID-19 patients compared to doctors. The available literature confirmed the construct of coronaphobia in health care workers. The issue of insufficient personalization of protective equipment and the associated feelings of fear and stigma as well as the need for psychological help are addressed and psychiatric services for healthcare professionals. Material and methods: At the beginning of this year, 30 people from the clinical hospital in Lublin were surveyed using a questionnaire containing several questions concerning, among others, comfort of work in the current epidemiological situation, The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Mini-COPE. Conclusions: The work shows the mental health problems faced by health service representatives on a daily basis in connection with the pandemic that has been going on for many months. The features of depression-anxiety disorders affect the medical staff. The attitude of solidarity and cooperation of all members of society during the pandemic is important.