ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 is a significant health crisis affecting the world and at its heart are the HCWs treating the patients. However, only a few studies in India have addressed the potential effect on the mental health of HCWs. Thus, we decided to find the prevalence of Perceived Stress, Depression, and Anxiety of the Paramedical (PHCW) and Medical (MHCW) Healthcare Workers doing Covid Duty and correlate it with the duty related parameters. Methodology: In a Tertiary Care Covid Hospital, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 203 HCWs (PHCWs & MHCWs) assessed socio-demographic & duty-related variables, stress by PSS, Depression by PHQ-9, and Anxiety by HAM-A after obtaining informed consent. Results: Amongst the 203 HCWs,75.3% have significant perceived stress. 34% have mild to severe depression which is 3-4 times more than the general population. 7.88% of HCWs have anxiety. PHCWs have significantly more anxiety (11.88%) as compared to MHCWs (3.92%) doing COVID duty. In duty related parameters, PHCWs working >=6 weeks have high stress (45.54%) and depression (24.75%) as compared to MHCWs. Despite doing duty in a stable ward, PHCWs have significantly high stress (39.60%) and depression (19.8%) as compared to MHCWs. MHCWs have significantly high Stress (48.03%) and depression (16.67%) while doing duty in both (ICU and ward) as compared to PHCWs. Conclusion: Both PHCWs and MHCWs have a high prevalence of perceived stress and depression, with a significant difference due to duty-related Parameters - long duration and place of duty.