Vol - 28, Issue - 02
About the Journal
[This article belongs to Volume - 28, Issue - 02]
International Medical Journal
Journal ID : IMJ-22-01-2021-733
Total View : 389

Abstract : We aim to compare the anxiety level among frontline healthcare providers (HCPs) working in a tertiary hospital during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic with the level of anxiety after the announcement of the existence of the vaccine. We also aim to investigate the demographic factors contributing to anxiety and assess the accessibility of ongoing psychological and emotional support projects. This is a cross-sectional study using an online survey tool to collect data from healthcare providers at the emergency and intensive care departments of a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. The study was done in two phases: phase I during the peak of the epidemic (June-August 2020) and phase II after the vaccine's availability in Saudi Arabia. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) was used to measure the phase I and II anxiety levels. The total number of HCPs in this study was 278. The prevalence of anxiety was 65.2% (n=90) during the peak, and 57.8% (n=81) after the vaccine is available. Moderate to severe anxiety was 28.2% in phase I and dropped to 21.42% in phase II. Severe anxiety was noted among males more often than females and especially those who are physicians and married. Only half of the HCPs perceived the hospital's psychological/emotional support as clear and accessible in phase I, and the percentage increased to 60.3 (n=85) in phase II. The findings from this analysis showed a concerning prevalence of anxiety in the HCPs. The level remains high despite the vaccine's existence, which mandates continuing/improving the emotional support strategies, whether on a national or international level. The researchers discuss several contributing factors and conclude with policies that formulate an effective strategic plan for the ongoing pandemic and subsequent ones.

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