Impact on mental health of the COVID-19 outbreak among general practitioners during the sanitary lockdown period

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 outbreak can impact mental health including health care workers.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the mental health impact of COVID-19 in French General Practitioners (GPs).

Methods: We carried out a postal-based survey during the first lockdown. Four psychological validated self-report questionnaires were used to assess stress,post-traumatic stress symptoms, burnout and self-efficacy (Perceived Stress scale, Impact of Event Scale-revised, Maslach Burnout Inventory and General Self-Efficacy scale).

Results: The sample consists of 332 general practitioners (43.50% women, mean age = 50.74 ± 11.91). General practitioners working in high epidemic location represented 27.71% of the sample (n = 92). Thirty four GPs reported significant post-traumatic stress symptoms (10.59%). High burnout symptoms were found in 79 (24.46%), 137 (42.41%) and 17 (5.26%) participants. Only General Self-Efficacy scores were significantly different according to epidemic location status with lower scores in GPs working in high epidemic location (33.37 ± 4.64 vs. 32.06 ± 5.43; P = 0.04). Women reported more stress and burnout symptoms than men (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: This study showed the psychological impact of COVID-19 in GPs during the sanitary lockdown period including burnout and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Up to 42% of GPs reported psychological disturbances. Interventions to promote mental health well-being of healthcare workers need to be developing.

Keywords: Burnout; COVID-19; General practitioners; Mental health; Stress.