ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Ahmed NN, Al-Jasmi SA, AlKaabi RA, Al-Marzooqi SH, Abuhlaiqa H, Awadalla S, Al-Hayyas F, Stip E5, Ahmad A* and Wanigaratne S
Background: The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) outbreak initiated its course in December 2019, and on 30th January 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The virus swept the globe at an alarming speed earning its title as a Pandemic on 11 March 2020 [WHO timeline COVID-19]. Within the context of this Pandemic, health care workers have been greatly affected. This paper reports a study of Psychological impact during the peak of COVID outbreak on health care staff of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), UAE’s largest public health sector. Methods: An email with a link to an online questionnaire was sent out to all SEHA employees, a total of 18,371. A total of 2184 responses were collected, a response rate of 11.9%. The questionnaire consisted of the Depression and Anxiety Screening Scale (DASS-21) and basic demographic questions. The study protocol also included a dedicated psychological support helpline for staff members. Results: The results indicate that the majority of the participants (77.4%) were within the normal to the mild range, 9% at a moderate level, and 13.5 % were within the severe to extremely severe range. Further analysis of the results showed statistically significant differences between age, gender, nationality, profession, and marital status of the respondents in levels of Depression and Anxiety. The Helpline handled 135 Calls. The nature of psychological concerns expressed on these calls and outcomes are presented. Conclusion: Whilst the majority showed that the psychological impact was low, 22.5% were impacted and 13% of them severely. The results may reflect the effectiveness of the measures taken by the Abu Dhabi government and SEHA. The information gained by the detailed analysis of the results will be helpful to improve the response and prepare for future pandemics as well as further developing the capacity of mental health services.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Healthcare staff; Psychological Impact; Health service provision
