The Impact of Physicians' COVID-19 Pandemic Occupational Experiences on Mental Health

Objective: To examine the association between a number of negative COVID-19 occupational experiences and probable anxiety, depression, and PTSD among physicians. Methods: Cross-sectional examination of longitudinal registry data consisting of physician personal and occupational well-being. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between negative COVID-19 experiences and outcomes. Results: Of the 620 eligible physicians, approximately half were female (49%), and 71% white with a mean age of 46.51 (SD = 13.28). A one-point increase in negative experience score was associated with a 23% increase in probable anxiety (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14-1.34), a 23% increase in probable depression (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.33), and a 41% increase in probable PTSD (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.30-1.52). Conclusions: Negative pandemic experiences were strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes while greater resilience was protective.

Automated summary

The study revealed a positive association between negative occupational experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and probable anxiety, depression, and PTSD among physicians. Furthermore, greater resilience was found to have a protective effect against these mental health outcomes.