IMPACT OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON BLOOD PRESSURE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING LOCKDOWN - AN INDIAN STUDY

Abstract

Objective: Covid-19 pandemic has challenged the healthcare system globally. Hypertension is one of the risk factors associated with increased mortality and morbidity with Covid-19 infection. Few studies have looked into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However not much is known about its impact on physical health and blood pressure of HCPs.Objective is to to Study the distribution of blood pressure and impact of Covid 19 on blood pressure of HCPs. Design and method: Prospective cross-sectional survey Methods: The study was conducted among Indian HCPs. A self administered survey asked about the socio demographic data, known risk factors, past history of hypertension, working conditions in lockdown (work from home or working at a healthcare establishment with potential to exposure to Covid-19), work hours and blood pressure measurement for three consecutive days during lockdown. Results: Six Hundred and eighty seven HCPs (52.8% doctors, 25.1% nurses & paramedics, 22.1 allied HCPs), 63.78% males and 36.22% females, mean age 34.8% (SD=11.5 years) participated in the study. 14.4% (98) had known hypertension while 28.8% (198) were found to be hypertensive for the first time (50% Doctors, 26.26% Nurses/Paramedics and 23.74% Allied Healthcare Professionals). 79.3% (n=198) of these had normal blood pressure when checked in the past 12 months. 76.26% (n=198) of these were directly at risk of exposure to Covid-19. The pandemic has seriously impacted the mental and psychological health of HCPs. Our study highlights that Covid 19 pandemic significantly impacts the blood pressure of HCPs with an alarming rise in risk for their health. Conclusions: Health care professionals developed hypertension in significantly higher numbers during COVID-19 pandemic. While working on the frontline with COVID-19, they are already on higher risk of getting infection. COVID-19 has been found to have serious complications with hypertension. Apart from this hypertension itself is known to lead adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Unfortunately, the majority of them are not aware of their elevated blood pressure. HCPs should remain more careful for their own blood pressure while working in pressure of COVID 19.