Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2022.557

FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT, FALL AND RAISE AGAIN - IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Bojana Dunjic-Kostić ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia ; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Maja Pantović-Stefanović ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia ; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Tijana Cvetić ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Miroslava Jašović-Gašić ; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia ; Academy of Medical Sciences - Serbian Medical Association, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic health care providers found themselves under increased demands in the work
environment and in their professional and personal lives which created both physical and mental health challenges. Thus, we aim to
provide an integrative review that identifies and summarizes the research published regarding mental health functioning in health
care providers, in Serbia, since the beginning of the pandemic.
Subjects and methods: A search of the published literature was conducted using Medline and SCIndex databases, applying key
words “COVID-19” and “Serbia”. The search was limited to papers published since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic until
January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved papers. The study used pre-defined inclusion and exclusion
criteria.
Results: We identified eight papers on the subject of mental health functioning in health care providers. The studies were all
original research papers with predominantly cross-sectional study design, using online assessments. Sample size varied in number of
participants and profile of medical providers (physicians, nurses and medical technicians, community pharmacists). Dominantly,
focus of interests of researchers were exploration of levels of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, burnout, as well as behavioural
changes and environmental influences.
Conclusions: The studies related to mental health of medical professionals show the importance of recognizing the psychological
challenges posed by health crises caused by COVID-19. They raise awareness of recognizing differences and difficulties between
wide range of medical sectors, and appeal for necessity for accessible and professional psychological support. Further studies
should address the detailed exploration of the mental health of this specific population, as well as propose strategies needed to
balance the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Keywords

COVID-19; mental health; health care providers; doctors; nurses

Hrčak ID:

290435

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/290435

Publication date:

3.11.2022.

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