The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals and Paramedical Staff Working in Peshawar, KP

Background: COVID-19 has a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing of front-line hospital staff. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify the healthcare workers who are at increased risk of psychological stress.Objectives: To determine mental health issues due to COVID-19 among health care workers during the pandemic. To determine the factors behind mental health issues among healthcare workers during COVID-19Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study, carried out at two major tertiary hospitals in Peshawar Khyber teaching hospital (KTH) and Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC). The participants included house officers, trainees, consultants and nurses. Data was collected through questionnaires. Survey tools such as Patient Health questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9) scale for depression and Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) scale for anxiety were used. Chi -square test was applied to find association between mental health issues and COVID-19.Results: About 230 HCWs participated having equal number of males and females. Most of the participants were in age group 25-30 and were composed of trainee medical officers. We found that 61.2% of the participants screened positive for depression while 52.6% of the participants screened positive for anxiety and it was due to dissatisfaction towards facilities provided by their respective hospitals. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression were prevalent among the health care workers especially younger and un married individuals during COVID -19. To foster supportive work environment effective strategies are needed.Keywords: Anxiety, Covid -19, Depression, Pandemic