DR. AASHNA AGARWAL

DR.LUXMI SINGH, DR.SONAL GUPTA

Abstract

Aim: To assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on psychological health of ophthalmologists and in training postgraduates(PG) in north India.

Method: Study was approved by Institutional Ethics Review Board,150 ophthalmologists and PGs (25-75 years) participated in online survey. Data included demography, experience, professional & marital status, earnings in lockdown, expenses and PG clinical training. Patient health questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) was used to assess the psychological distress.

Result: Mean age (years) was 38 ±11;127 (84.7%) were practicing,15.3% were PGs ;18% were single. Training/practice was impacted in 40%, difficulty in meeting expenses 37% of the study sample. Some degree of depression was seen in 39.3%, age 54 ± 2 years; 38 25.3%, age 42 ± 3 had mild;10%, age 36 ± 2.5 moderate and 4%, age 26 ± 2 had severe depression.

Conclusion: COVID19 lockdown had stronger impact on younger ophthalmologists, the organization should consider them for routine psychological counselling