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https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2020.536

MENTAL HEALTH OF PSYCHIATRISTS AND PHYSICIANS OF OTHER SPECIALTIES IN EARLY COVID-19 PANDEMIC: RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS

Nataša Jokić-Begć ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Anita Lauri Korajlija ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Dražen Begić ; Medical School, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

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 COVID-19 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.

Ključne riječi

COVID-19; physicians; mental health

Hrčak ID:

250853

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/250853

Datum izdavanja:

7.1.2021.

Posjeta: 1.496 *