Mental Wellbeing of COVID-19 ward Healthcare workers in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: In the time of the current pandemic of COVID-19, our country Pakistan has been seen to get affected on the level of masses as well as on the level of social-economic. However, the most significant effect of this virus can be seen on the frontline healthcare worker's mental health. The current systematic review aims to highlight the main symptomatology and effects of COVID-19 on the frontline healthcare professional's mental wellbeing including, doctors, nurses, paramedic staff that have direct exposure to the COVID-19 wards and isolation centers in Pakistan.

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the healthcare personnel, including doctors, nurses and paramedic staff that have been posted in the COVID-19 divisions and isolation units. The articles fulfilling the eligibility criteria published between December 2019 to May 2021 were all included in the screening process. Original articles involving Healthcare workers, professionals, nurses in COVID-19 wards and isolation centers in Pakistan and the Symptoms of this virus on their mental wellbeing were all included.

Results: A total of 18 studies were meeting the eligibility criteria of this review and were included for further quantitative screening and synthesis. These studies focus on the features like COVID-19, its symptoms on the mental health of healthcare personnel, including medics, nurses, other paramedic staff posted in COVID-19 wards and isolation centers.

Conclusion: It is concluded from this review that healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are suggested to have moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial and emotional stress. Moreover, doctors, nurses, paramedic staff also seem to have a fear of infecting their own family and friends with this virus.