Abstract
The unprecedented global crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a cascade of overwhelming pressure on the healthcare system. Frontline healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially doctors and nurses were confronted with an increased risk of mental disorders, most commonly identified are anxiety disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptomatology amongst doctors and nurses in Nigeria and the effects of the coping pattern of participants on the symptoms of anxiety.
Highlights
Background of the studyAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern [1]
The study findings revealed a substantial rate of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), among physicians and nurses during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria
After controlling for other socio-demographic and clinical factors, multivariate analysis demonstrated that female gender, fewer years of work experience and a lifetime history of psychological illness, independently increased the risk of anxiety, while healthy lifestyle modifications and spending time with close relatives, independently reduced the risk of anxiety symptomatology
Summary
Background of the studyAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern [1]. At the core of the unparalleled crisis of COVID-19, HCPs face several challenges; many are suddenly encumbered with profound tasks, such as treating patients with COVID-19: Reducing the spread of infection; developing suitable short-term strategies; and formulating long-term plans [3] These may be aggravated by a greater risk of infection and death they never envisaged at this time of their lives [2]. There have been reports of situations in which some doctors and nurses, experience avoidance by their family or community owing to stigma or fear [1,4], this can make an already challenging situation far more difficult These factors coupled with working long hours, limited safety equipment and witnessing the traumatic course of the infection and their patients’ death are likely to lead to psychological distress and precipitate mental illnesses such as anxiety symptoms and/or disorders amongst these individuals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptomatology amongst doctors and nurses in Nigeria and the effects of the coping pattern of participants on the symptoms of anxiety
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