New Delhi: A study by the Indian Medical Research Council (ICMR) has revealed that the increase in volume and work intensity, stigma manifestations and additional responsibilities of health workers (HCWS), which must adapt to the new protocol and adjust to ‘new normality’ in the middle of a pandemic Covid-19, has a psychosocial impact on them.
According to research published in the Journal of Medical Research India, Pandemi has brought different stigma expressions faced by HCWs with verbal and physical harassment experiences reported largely on social and print media platforms.
“Stigma manifestations have been reported in India with doctors, and nurses are forced to empty from the place and reports of physical violence on HCW in many parts of the nation.
It reports stress, anxiety, depression, and problems related to sleep between HCWS,” this study said.
The research findings show challenges at the organizational level reflected in major changes in the HCWS work culture that is not ready for this change.
The longer working hours with uncertain time generate sleep deprivation and an unhealthy diet.
“Stay away from their respective families and affected families because the long separation and protocol steps are involved in the Covid-19 Care task.
Fear to infect their families is much higher than fear of being infected with themselves,” This study results stated.
This study was conducted at 967 participants in 10 sites – Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), South Delhi, Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Kasaragod (Kerala), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Kamrup (Assam) and Hills Khasi Timur (Meghalaya).
Of these, 54 percent of respondents were women and 46 percent were men.
Respondents are mainly in the age group between 20 and 40 years.
Pandemic Covid-19 has a psychosocial impact on health workers: ICMR studies
