Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic surgeons in terms of anxiety, sleep outcomes and change in management practices: A cross-sectional study from India. (26th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Vyom; Kumar, Narinder; Gupta, Bhawna; Mahajan, Akanksha
• Is Part Of: Journal of orthopaedic surgery. Volume 29:Number 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-26
• Subjects: anxiety -- coronavirus infection -- COVID-19 -- cross-sectional study -- Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale-7 (GAD-7) -- health care workers -- orthopaedic surgeons -- personal protective equipment -- sleep quality; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; 617.3
• DOI: 10.1177/23094990211001621
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-5536

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety, sleep outcomes and change in clinical management practices among orthopaedic surgeons following a nation-wide lockdown. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study using piloted structured questionnaires with self-reported responses from Indian orthopaedic surgeons. Study participants were identified through social networking sites: Facebook and WhatsApp. The extent of anxiety and sleep quality was assessed by the standardised seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, single-item sleep quality scale, questions on unavailability of personal protective equipment, training module on COVID-19 and change in orthopaedic patient management. Results: One hundred male orthopaedic surgeons responded to the survey with majority (79%) in 30–44 years age group. Severe anxiety scores were observed in 8%; moderate, mild and minimal anxiety was observed in 12%, 27% and 53% surgeons respectively. Changes in management practice due to the pandemic was admitted by 65% respondents. We also observed an association between higher anxiety among surgeons and primary or secondary level of healthcare facility: (p = 0.04). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with change in management practice to non-operative procedures (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Anxiety among orthopaedic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic is related to factors like younger age group, working in a primary or secondary healthcare facility. Early recognition of anxiety is essential to prevent serious psychological sequelae.