"UNVEILING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BURDEN ON PHYSICIANS IN BANGLADESH AMIDST THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK"

*Dr. Farhana Ahmed, MD (Ukraine), MPH (NIPSOM, BSMMU)

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a substantial psychological burden on healthcare professionals globally, including physicians. This paper focuses on understanding the psychological burden experienced by physicians in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design and involves data collection from four hospitals in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire is used to collect information on socio-demographic factors, determinants of mental stresses, factors reducing mental stresses, and coping strategies employed by physicians. The findings reveal those physicians in Bangladesh face numerous stressors, including high workloads, limited resources, fear of contracting the virus and witnessing patient suffering and mortality. These stressors lead to various psychological impacts, such as anxiety, burnout, and sleep disorders. The study also highlights the demographic characteristics of physicians, with a majority being young and female. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and religious factors in addressing their mental well-being. The findings provide insights into the challenges faced by physicians in Bangladesh and emphasize the need for targeted interventions and support systems to alleviate their psychological burden. The study acknowledges certain limitations, such as selection bias and potential recall bias. Nonetheless, it contributes to the understanding of the psychological well-being of physicians in Bangladesh and provides a basis for further research and interventions to support their mental health during and beyond the pandemic.

Keywords: Psychological burden, Physicians, Bangladesh, COVID-19 outbreak.