Mental Health Status of the Professionals Working With Covid-19 at Hospital in Dhaka

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was first diagnosed in Wuhan, China in late December of 2019. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has a large negative psychological effect and mental health issues worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The unexpectedly rapid spread of COVID -19 endowed HCWs with increased work burden, lack of personal protective equipment, high risk of exposure and contracting the diseases, as well as increased mortality amongst HCWs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carry out to assess the Mental Health status of the professionals working with Covid-19 at Hospital in Dhaka. Primary data were collected through field survey including the observation and interview method. This survey, were covered doctors, nurses and Medical technicians in all clinical departments of Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka between 1st May to July 30th, 2021. Mental health variables were assessed via Somatic Symptom scale-8 (SSS-8). Results: We found that the highest 36.11% age group was 25-34, 51.85% healthcare professional are female and 48.15 % are male, 86.11% of healthcare professional are married, 12.96 % are single and 0.93% are widowed, 92.59 % health professionals are full time worker, 4.63 % are hourly basis and 2.78% are part time, 20.37 % are doctor, 37.0 % are nurse, 8.33 % are laboratory technician and 24.07% are supporting staffs. The overall level on Mental Health Burden of the respondents, 40.60% respondents opinion were No to minimal as well as 34.10% respondents opinion were Low, whereas 4% respondents opinion were Medium, how over 19% respondents opinion were high and 2.30% respondents opinion were Very high on Mental Health Burden foe COVID-19 patient care. Somatic symptom burden as measured by the SSS-8 was significantly associated with only one of the factors, Headaches (p= 0.009 [95% CI, .0755571 to .5202732]). The other 7 variables were not significantly associated since none could justify a p- value less than .05 at 95% confidence interval. From the analysis we found certain prevalence of psychological symptom among the health care professional during Covid-19 situation. Conclusion: Healthcare professional need adequate equipment, health protection, optimum working environment. This information or data is very essential. The data is essential in mental health department, in case of policy making, in the long run where second outbreak of Covid-19 occur