RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Singaporean GPs: a cross-sectional study
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2021.0072
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0072
A1 Alvin Lum
A1 Yen-Li Goh
A1 Kai Sheng Wong
A1 Junie Seah
A1 Gina Teo
A1 Jun Qiang Ng
A1 Edimansyah Abdin
A1 Margaret Mary Hendricks
A1 Josephine Tham
A1 Wang Nan
A1 Daniel Fung
YR 2021
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2021/07/20/BJGPO.2021.0072.abstract
AB Background COVID-19 has stressed healthcare systems and workers worldwide. GPs, as first points of contact between suspected cases and the healthcare system, have assumed frontline roles in this crisis. While the prevalence of mental health problems and illnesses arising in healthcare workers (HCWs) from tertiary care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic is well-examined,1 the impact on GPs remains understudied.Aim To describe the prevalence and predictors of anxiety, burnout, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among GPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design & setting Survey of GPs operating in Singapore primary care clinics.Method GPs completed a survey that comprised of four validated psychometric instruments. Open-ended questions asked about responders’ challenges and their envisaged support. Data were analysed with multiple logistic regression with demographic data as covariates; concepts of grounded theory were used to analyse the qualitative responses.Results A total of 257 GPs participated. Fifty-five (21.4%) met the scales’ criteria for anxiety, 211 (82.1%) for burnout, 68 (26.6%) for depression, and 23 (8.9%) for PTSD. Multivariate regression analysis showed working in a public primary care setting was associated with anxiety and depression. Qualitative analyses uncovered possible stressors: changes to clinical and operational practices; increased workloads; and financial difficulties.Conclusion Mental health issues were found to be present in Singaporean GPs during the pandemic. Prevalence of anxiety, burnout, and depression were found to be higher than those reported pre-COVID-19. The findings also provide determinants of the issues that serve as possible foci for targeted interventions.