Psychiatric disorders and quality of life in a sample of health care workers during the time of COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt

Mohamed, Hala T.; Elmarakby, Amr AM.; El-Mahdi, Mohammed A,; Mohamed, Rania H.

doi:10.21608/jram.2025.322192.1266

Psychiatric disorders and quality of life in a sample of health care workers during the time of COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Cairo, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

² Neuropsychiatric Department, El Senbelawain General Hospital, Dakahlia, Egypt.

³ Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine New Damietta, Damietta, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

10.21608/jram.2025.322192.1266

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) who treat COVID-19 cases experience increased psychological stress and a high incidence of psychiatric morbidity, comparable to the effects observed during the severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreaks.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and evaluate the quality of life among Egyptian (HCWs) caring for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.
Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, working in two major healthcare institutions in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic. The HCWs who were dealing with COVID-19 at these hospitals underwent comprehensive physical and psychiatric examinations using standardized tools validated for the Egyptian adult population.
Results: There was a significant variance in the prevalence of moderate and severe depression among doctors compared to nurses and technicians (p < 0.05). Additionally, moderate generalized anxiety disorder showed a statistically significant difference among doctors, nurses, and technicians (p < 0.05). Statistically substantial variations were also detected among 3 groups of healthcare workers regarding the frequency of insomnia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and burnout (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Egyptian Healthcare workers in direct contact with COVID-19 patients were at the highest risk of various mental health disorders. To address this issue, it is essential to ensure the adequate availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and implement robust infection control measures. Additionally, providing social support, improving the work environment, fostering good communication, and increasing awareness about the pandemic are crucial for reducing mental health issues among HCWs.

Keywords