Assessment of Anxiety, Depression and Sleep Disorder Among Cardiology Physicians During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background: In this study, the anxiety levels and sleep qualities of cardiologists who continue to treat cardiac emergency patients in addition to their epidemic duties during the period when the COVID 19 pandemic was the most intense and the unknown was the most in our country. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 347 cardiologists throughout Turkey from April 17 to 20, 2020. The research was conducted by means of a confidential on-line survey. The research used the Turkish versions of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, 7-item Insomnia Severity Index and 9 –item Patient Health Questionnaire.Results : Of the total number of respondents, n= 193 (55.6 %) were aged 31 to 40 years and n= 84 ( 24.2%) were women. 79% of the participants were working in tertiary care centers where cardiac patients and covid patients were admitted and treated more. A considerable proportion of participants reported symptoms of anxiety (54.2 %), insomnia (44.1%), and depression (%71.1). Women cardiologist reported more severe degrees of all measurements of anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms than male cardiologists. Mean Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale scores among women vs male : 6.6 ± 3.5 vs 5.0 ± 4.3 ; p = 0.005 ; mean Insomnia Severity Index scores among women vs male doctors: 7.3±4.3 vs 6.9±4.6; P > 0.05; mean Impact of Event Scale–Revised scores among women vs male cardiologists : 8.0 ± 3.9 vs 6.8± 4.7; p = 0.02. Conclusions: In this survey, during this outbreak most of the cardiologists were found to be mentally challenged while continuing their profession. Especially the anxiety and depression symptoms of female doctor are higher than their male counterparts. The anxiety and stress disorder created by this pandemic may have serious consequences in the future, especially for physicians in intensive branches such as cardiology, who have to serve large patient groups in like low and middle-income countries. It should not be ignored that female doctors working in these branches are more sensitive to burnout syndrome.