Abstract
Background: The emergence of the new pandemic, COVID-19 has had a profound effect on public health and health care workers (HCWs) are at the frontline in combating this crisis. The pressure from work during this period may contribute to psychosocial problems in these HCWs.
Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological health of family physicians in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among doctors in the field of Family Medicine at various hospital settings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A pre-tested and validated questionnaire measured sociodemographic details; health concerns and emotional distress; perceptions related to precautionary measures and other effects of COVID-19.
Results: More than 81.9% of the physicians were concerned about their personal health during COVID-19 which showed a statistically significant relationship with self-reported health status. The degree of concern showed a statistically significant relationship between position, self-reported health and employment status (p<0.05). The prevalence of emotional distress due to COVID-19 was reported in 52.6% of the participants which showed a statistically significant association was seen highest with age group 30-39 years (p=0.004).
Conclusion: The study showed that this pandemic has created many high concerns among Family physicians about their health. family's health and also the public health. Stress reducing techniques such a physician directed and organization directed interventions should be initiated in helping the physicians in the management of stress while combating COVID-19.