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

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