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Family Physicians’ Standpoint and Mental Health Assessment in the Light of COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey Study

Author

Listed:
  • Tina Vilovic

    (Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
    Department of Family Medicine, Split-Dalmatia Health Center, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Josko Bozic

    (Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Marino Vilovic

    (Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Doris Rusic

    (Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Sanja Zuzic Furlan

    (Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
    Department of Family Medicine, Split-Dalmatia Health Center, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Marko Rada

    (Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
    Department of Family Medicine, Split-Dalmatia Health Center, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Marion Tomicic

    (Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
    Department of Family Medicine, Split-Dalmatia Health Center, 21000 Split, Croatia)

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.

Suggested Citation

  • Tina Vilovic & Josko Bozic & Marino Vilovic & Doris Rusic & Sanja Zuzic Furlan & Marko Rada & Marion Tomicic, 2021. "Family Physicians’ Standpoint and Mental Health Assessment in the Light of COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2093-:d:503194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kumpunen, Stephanie & Webb, Erin & Permanand, Govin & ZHELEZNYAKOV, Evgeny & Edwards, Nigel & van Ginneken, Ewout & Jakab, Melitta, 2022. "Transformations in the landscape of primary health care during COVID-19: Themes from the European region," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(5), pages 391-397.
    2. Claire Collins & Els Clays & Esther Van Poel & Joanna Cholewa & Katica Tripkovic & Katarzyna Nessler & Ségolène de Rouffignac & Milena Šantrić Milićević & Zoran Bukumiric & Limor Adler & Cécile Ponsar, 2022. "Distress and Wellbeing among General Practitioners in 33 Countries during COVID-19: Results from the Cross-Sectional PRICOV-19 Study to Inform Health System Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, May.

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