Mental health challenges faced by health care providers involved in the care of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in the city of Nagpur: A mixed-method study.

Abstract

Epidemiological data on mental health challenges faced by health care providers (HCPs) involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient care are still limited. Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders (CMDs) amongst HCPs involved in the care of COVID-19 patients in the city of Nagpur and to explore the mental health challenges faced by them while dealing with the pandemic. This study, conducted among HCPs (doctors, nurses, lab technicians and pharmacists) of Nagpur's public health care facilities involved in COVID-19 care, employed a concurrent parallel mixed-method design. A cross-sectional analytical study assessed CMD prevalence and correlates among HCPs using a self-administered questionnaire. Regression analyses were conducted, with statistical significance set at <i>P</i> < 0.05. Analysis was done in STATA 16. An exploratory study using in-depth interviews explored mental health challenges and coping mechanisms among the HCPs. Thematic analysis with deductive coding was done. Atlas.Ti 22 was used for data analysis. A total of 308 HCPs participated. The overall prevalence of CMD was 55.2% (95% CI: 49-61%). Univariate analysis revealed age, sex, workplace, work hours, sleep duration as factors significantly associated with CMD. The mental health challenges faced by HCPs during the pandemic were improper administrative measures, physical challenges and lack of support from the patients and the public. Over half of the HCPs experienced a CMD. Challenges included administrative issues, personal concerns and negative interactions with patients or the public. Targeted interventions are crucial to mitigate the mental health burden on HCPs during such outbreaks.