Mental Distress in Dermatologists During COVID‐19 Pandemic: Assessment and Risk Factors in A Global, Cross‐Sectional Study

Bhargava, Shashank; Sarkar, Rashmi; Kroumpouzos, George

BACKGROUND: There is a sparsity of data regarding the mental health status of dermatologists during COVID‐19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effects of pandemic on mental health of dermatologists on a large scale and identify risk factors for mental distress. METHODS: 733 dermatologists were included in this cross‐sectional, web‐based survey. RESULTS: Mental distress was reported by 77.2% of responders. Considerable percentages of participants experienced stress (73.9%), irritation (33.7%), insomnia (30%), or depression (27.6%), and 78.6% were overwhelmed with the amount of pandemic information they were receiving. Mental distress was significantly associated with practice years, volume of patients seen per week before pandemic, personal protective equipment availability at hospital (P=.001 for each), practice location (continent) (P <.001), and participant's assessment that the healthcare system was not equipped for the pandemic (P=.003). Stress was associated with hospital service (P=.003), and depression with being overwhelmed with the amount of pandemic information received (P=.004). In a logistic model, teledermatology use was the most powerful predictor of mental distress (OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.07‐2.32]). CONCLUSIONS: Mental distress was common among dermatologists during this pandemic. Teledermatology use was the most powerful predictor of mental distress. Preventative strategies and psychosocial interventions should be implemented. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.