A COVID-19 pandemic fear among Health Care Professionals in Pakistan

Zohra  Saleem; Muhammad Mansoor   MAjeed; Hira  Tariq; Asfa Munir; Zegarra-Valdivia  J. A; Dinaz Ghandi; Zara Siddiqui; Sara  Rafique

Authors

Zohra Saleem Dow University of Health Sciences
Muhammad Mansoor Majeed
Hira Tariq Central Park Medical College
Asfa Munir Dow University of Health Sciences
Zegarra-Valdivia J. A Universidad Señor de Sipán Chiclayo, Perú
Dinaz Ghandi Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine
Zara Siddiqui Hamdard University
Sara Rafique Jinnah Medical and Dental College

Keywords:

COVID-19, Fear, Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists.

Abstract

Objective: We attempted to investigate fear among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) due to COVID-19.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 in May 2020, in which physicians, dentists, nursing professionals, and pharmacists from different cities of Pakistan were included. A non-probability snowball sampling technique was applied. Previously validated Fear of Corona Virus scale (FCV-19S) was used to assess the fear. The data was analyzed using SPSS 21. p≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Data of 593 participants reported a significant difference in age group, gender, and HCPs (p≤0.05). More females (62.4%, n=370), participants below 30 years (42.0%, n=249), and higher number of dentist (32.0%, n=190). For the current study, the mean score of FVC-19S was 26.10 ± 5.10. Females reported more fear than males, and a significant difference has been observed among the gender (t ₌-3.507, p≤ 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed among the four categories of HCPs [F= 1.036, the value p≤0.376].

Conclusion: Fear among health care professionals is highly prevalent due to COVID-19

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