Naslov
Mental health of psychiatrists and physicians of other specialties in early COVID-19 pandemic: risk and protective factors
(Mental health of psychiatrists and physicians of other specialties in early COVID-19 pandemic: risk and protective factors)

Autori
Jokić-Begić, Nataša ; Lauri Korajlija, Anita ; Begić, Dražen

Izvornik
Psychiatria Danubina (0353-5053) 32 (2020), 3-4; 536-548

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
COVID-19 ; physicians ; mental health

Sažetak
Background: Many research has indicated that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers are under greatly increased pressure and at increased risk for the development of mental health problems. Furthermore, previous research has indicated that psychiatrists are exposed to a number of unique stressors that may increase their risk for poor mental health. The aims of the present study were to assess the level of COVID-19 related concerns, psychological distress and life satisfaction among psychiatrists and other physicians during the first period of the pandemic and to examine whether individual differences in COVID19 concerns, psychological flexibility, psychological resilience and coping behaviors account for differences in mental health indicators. Subjects and methods: The sample consisted of N=725 physicians, among whom 22.8% were psychiatrists. This study was conducted online during the first lockdown in Croatia and collected data regarding COVID-19 related concerns, coping behaviors and mental health indicators (Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction). Results: Physicians of other specialties had higher scores on a measure of COVID-19 anxiety than psychiatrists (p=0.012). In addition, a number of differences in coping behaviors are evident. Specifically, psychiatrists were less likely than physicians of other specializations to believe that being informed about COVID-19 is an effective coping strategy (p=0.013), but more prone to using sedatives and drugs as a coping strategy (p=0.002 ; p=0.037). Conclusions: Psychiatrists are at special risk for substance abuse. Younger age, psychological inflexibility, low resilience and greater COVID-19 concerns might act as specific risk factors for distress. Our findings highlight the need for promoting a healthy lifestyle and psychological flexibility as universal protective factors.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA