A cross-sectional study of quality of sleep in medical healthcare workers from a tertiary healthcare center during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: Intractable COVID-19 outbreak has placed extraordinary demands on health-care systems worldwide. Increased workload, inadequate personal equipment, nosocomial transmission, and the need to make ethically difficult decisions on the rationing of care may have dramatic effects on their physical and mental well-being. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are, therefore, especially vulnerable to mental health problems. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the quality of sleep in medical HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic and to assess its relation with demographic variables. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymized and self-reported questionnaire survey which includes sociodemographic characteristics and Pitsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed by participant on their own smartphone. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 208 respondents who served in COVID-19 pandemic, 137 were having poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). It has been observed that 20–40 years age group was more affected than 40–60 years group. Nurses were more affected than doctors and technicians. Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic, medical healthcare workers had poor sleep quality due to stress of workload and social pressure. This can lead to physical or psychological health problems in the future. Further interventions should be administrated for them, aiming to maintain their health.