Impact of COVID -19 on Depression and Anxiety among Healthcare Professionals in Abu Dhabi

Alzarooni, A.; Alghfeli, A.; Alremeithi, H.; Al Madhaani,; R., Al Ketbi; L.,

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of healthcare Professionals (HCP), who have served at an increased risk of psychological distress, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 11th, and July 23rd, 2020, to assess depression and anxiety of healthcare workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire evaluated 1,268 HCP. More than half of the participants reported symptoms of anxiety (51.5%), while almost half (48.48 %) presented with minimal anxiety. Mild anxiety was reported in 28.8% of participating HCWs, and 12.68 % of the participants registered moderate anxiety scores, while 9.95 % reported severe anxiety. Depression symptoms were revealed in 37.79 % of participating providers, though most participants (60.3%), scored in the minimal depression category. Among all participates, 4.3 % and 2.7 % reported moderately severe and severe depression, accordingly, while 22.5%, and 8.8 % of the participating health care providers documented mild and moderate depression. The high prevalence of anxiety and depression recorded among HCP during the pandemic suggests that mental health intervention and support are necessary to ensure the psychological well-being of HCP