Background: Beginning of year 2020 saw mankind being plagued by new pandemic by SARS-CoV-2 infection causing the novel Covid-19 disease. Better part of the year has been inundated with advisories of social distancing and home/institutional quarantining. Ophthalmologists in particular encounter potential risk of contracting SARS CoV-2 infection not only through droplets, contacts and fomites but also the ocular surfaces when in close physical proximity with patients. This has changed not only the practice patterns of ophthalmologists but has also touched their personal lives. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of mental health problems among ophthalmologists in India post lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: Cross-sectional survey conducted online on registered practicing ophthalmologists of India, post lockdown at the start of elective surgeries (20th to 25th May, 2020). The degree of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was assessed by DASS −21 questionnaire. DASS- Subscales: DASS-D (depression), DASS- A (anxiety) and DASS-S (stress) and grading of severity (mild, moderate, severe) were analyzed. Participants provided data on demographics like age, gender, years of experience and field of expertise.
Conclusions: This survey conducted in India using DASS-21 scale as screening tool has brought noticeable transient mental health issue among ophthalmologists to the fore. Total DASS mean score and DASS-S mean score were higher among women ophthalmologists. More women ophthalmologists as compared to men were found to be affected with depression and anxiety. We need to combat stigma, enhance prevention, ensure early recognition and provide timely intervention by psychiatrist/clinical psychologist to those at high risk of mental health illness.
Keywords : Ophthalmologist, Depression , Anxiety , Stress, DASS score
