Abstract
Background: Disease pandemics are known to cause psychological distress. The ensuing mental health issues are not only restricted to the patients and their relatives/friends but affect the healthcare workers (HCWs) as well. Our study aims to assess these psychological trends during the COVID-19 pandemic between the two most affected population groups, that is, patients and frontline healthcare workers. Methods: A survey questionnaire including scales to assess fear, anxiety, stress, depression - PSS 10, and DASS 21 was distributed and sent to all COVID-19 suspected/confirmed individuals and healthcare workers at a tertiary care center along with a second visit after 14 days of answering the first questionnaire and this continued as follow up. Data were analyzed with the SPSS Version 23 using various tests of significance. Results: In the community, suspected patients in the age group 41-50 with respiratory tract symptoms and those who were home isolated/quarantined experienced a greater tendency of mental health problems. Healthcare workers posted in COVID-19 designated areas of the hospital displayed higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: The high degree of uncertainty associated with novel pathogens has a profound effect on the psychological state of suspected/confirmed cases as well as healthcare workers. Within the community, individuals suspected of having COVID-19 display a significant mental health burden, while HCWs also experience an unprecedented amount of stress during such enduring situations.Funding Information: None.Declaration of Interests: We declare that we have no conflicts of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was conducted in compliance with the protocol and ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethical committee (CTRI/2020/05/025494). Before taking the survey, the respondents signed a consent document stating that they had provided their informed written consent. There were no benefits, and participation was on an opt-in voluntary basis at the COVID-19 screening outpatient department. Data security and anonymity were ensured.
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