The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Professionals from Buenos Aires

Abstract

Health professionals play an essential role within this context of health emergency due to COVID-19. During previous disease outbreaks, they have been especially vulnerable to the development of mental disorders. Objective: to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 350 health professionals in Buenos Aires (Female = 81.4%, Male = 18.6%). Method: a longitudinal study was carried out to estimate the levels of depression, anxiety and hypochondriasis as well as their possible association with the perception of COVID-19. The evaluation was through a virtual survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Modified YBOCS Hypochondriasis Scale (H-YBOCS-M) and an adaptation of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). Results: although no longitudinal changes were found, more than 50% reached the diagnostic cut-off point for a major depressive episode, more than 40% high levels of anxiety and hypochondriasis, and the perception of COVID-19 contributed positively to the clinical symptoms. Conclusions: knowing how this situation impacts on these professionals will allow the development of interventions to protect their physical and mental health, thus guaranteeing adequate health care.