IJCM_331A: Helping beyond the Helpline – Experience from a Unique Model for Mental Health Care among Frontline workers during COVID – 19 Pandemic in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Psychological issues among Health Care Workers (HCWs) in COVID-19 stem from the fact that normal people are being exposed to extraordinary situations. Facing this critical situation, it is essential to ensure that these personnel are identified early and offered appropriate intervention. Hence, AIIMS Mangalagiri partnering with UNICEF started a project to reach out to all frontline workers in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Objectives: To set up a Psycho-Social Counselling (PSC) system for healthcare & other front-line workers in the state of Andhra Pradesh to handle stress due to COVID–19 To conduct capacity-building programs for health care & other front-line workers to prevent psycho-social conditions arising due to COVID–19 Methodology: A simple Mental Health Screening Questionnaire (MHSQ) was developed and validated in the local language. After getting prior approvals, a Google form link of the MHSQ was sent via email, SMS, and WhatsApp to every frontline worker in the state. Consenting participants with scores above 6 were contacted personally by the psychologists for further detailed evaluation. A helpline number for counseling was publicized and psychologists conducted sessions on mental health awareness and coping strategies in various institutes across the state. Results: About 8,217 respondents attempted the MHSQ out of which detailed mental health evaluation (GAD-7, PHQ-9, CAGE, AUDIT, and PSQI) was done for 392 respondents. The most common issues identified were Anxiety (45%), Insomnia (42%), Depression (12%), and Substance Abuse (2%). Also, as a part of the mental health capacity-building campaign around 4,500 healthcare workers like nurses, Anganwadi teachers, and ANMs were trained offline across the state, along with the District Mental Health team. Conclusion: Mental health can have a significant impact on the competence of frontline workers. In addition to existing interventions available, confidential mental health intervention and service provision are the need of the hour.