Correlation of Resilience, Stress, and Burnout in Doctors and Nurses Working at a Dedicated COVID-19 Hospital during Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Research conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 in India and world over has highlighted its psychological impact among health-care workers (HCWs), which kindled the current study of the aftermath of the second wave among HCWs. Objectives: The objective was to study the correlation between demographic factors, resilience, burnout, and stress among doctors and nurses working at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital (DCH) during the second wave. Methodology: The DCH doctors (residents and faculty) and nurses willing to participate in the online survey using Google forms were assessed cross-sectionally using a semi-structured questionnaire for demographic factors and psychometric scales – abbreviated Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire, abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale-10 to measure resilience, burnout, and stress, respectively. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Pearson’s coefficient for correlation. Results: Out of 169 voluntary participants, 24.9% had severe perceived stress, 21% had moderate-to-severe burnout, and 49.7% had exceptional level of resilience. Severe perceived stress was seen in the lower age group (P = 0.018) and more in graduates than in postgraduates (P = 0.044). Moderate-to-severe burnout was seen in unmarried (P = 0.02), in junior doctors (P = 0.021), in those working in intensive care unit, fever clinic, and triage area (P = 0.038), and in those living away from family (P = 0.014). Exceptional level of resilience was statistically significant in nursing staff (P = 0.026). There was a statistically significant correlation between perceived stress and burnout (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The psychological impact of second wave was less among HCWs as compared to the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.