Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Speech and Language Therapists Working with Adults in Dysphagia.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented challenges on healthcare systems worldwide, with significant attention to the mental health of healthcare workers. Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) working with dysphagia patients represent a unique subgroup, whose psychological well-being during the pandemic has been less explored. Understanding the psychological impact on these professionals is crucial for developing targeted support mechanisms. Objective: This study aims to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLPs working with adult dysphagia patients in Punjab, Pakistan, identifying key factors influencing their mental health and providing insights into their experiences and perceptions regarding the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a non-probability convenience sampling technique to recruit 87 SLPs from various hospitals and rehabilitation centers across Punjab. Participants completed an online survey, which included demographic questions and standardized instruments: the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The majority of respondents were female (81.6%), with a significant proportion aged between 23 to 29 years. Qualifications predominantly were MS SLP (43.7%), and experience ranged mostly between 1 to 2 years (26.4%). The DASS-21 results indicated mean scores of 6.67 (SD=4.02) for depression, 7.71 (SD=3.4) for anxiety, and 7.87 (SD=4.4) for stress, suggesting elevated levels of psychological distress among participants, particularly regarding anxiety and stress. Conclusion: The findings highlight the substantial psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLPs working with dysphagia patients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support for these professionals. Enhancing support mechanisms can contribute to the resilience and effectiveness of SLPs in managing dysphagia patients during and beyond the pandemic.