The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Lockdowns on the Mental and Physical Health of Urologists

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare professionals world- wide, including urologists. This study sought to evaluate the mental and physical health outcomes among urologists during this period. The study encompassed a sample of 150 urologists of varying ages and genders, using standardized scales to measure men- tal and physical health, activity levels, relationships, work-related stress, and preventive measures. Our findings underscored that urologists of both genders experienced significant psychological distress, with younger urologists (25-45 years) reporting higher levels of depression and anxiety. Doctors with higher hospital visit frequency exhibited more psychiatric morbidity, likely due to the heightened fear of virus exposure and subsequent risk to family members. The lockdown period was also marked by a decline in structured exercise and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, leading to weight gain among participants. In light of these findings, we advocate for mental health outreach within the urology community, with a focus on younger professionals. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of adequate protective measures in hospitals, promoting healthier lifestyles, and social support systems to bolster mental and physical health in such crises. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term consequences of the pandemic on urologists’ health and to devise effective strategies to mitigate adverse effects.