Mental health and coping strategies of Filipino healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Objectives@#This study aimed to determine the mental health of Filipino healthcare workers (HCWs) in terms of their feelings and ability to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors that motivated them to continue their work. @*Methods and Results@#This was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey, single-center study, conducted in Perpetual Succour Hospital, Cebu City, Philippines, within 3 months from the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 215 respondents, almost 50% thought of quitting their job due to fear of getting infected with COVID-19 and transmitting the disease to their families. Ninety-four percent (94%) of HCWs were nervous and scared and 85% were experiencing physical fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Despite all these, 97% of HCWs felt that their service during the pandemic was part of their professional obligation and ethical duty. HCWs coped with the present pandemic by strictly following safety protocols and the assurance of the safety of their families helped reduce their stress. Family support is their most important source of motivation.@*Conclusion@#Filipino HCWs experience physical and emotional stress during the COVID-19 pandemic but were motivated to work because of their professional obligation with an assurance of safety and support from their family.