Psychological Burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic - the Voice of the Young Doctors' Generation: an International Survey

Background: Young doctors have made up a substantial part of healthcare forces during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the rate and level of psychological distress among young doctors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: : This cross-sectional cohort study, dedicated to doctors, at or below the age of 40, was conducted in 62 countries as an online survey between September - November 2020. Survey questions covered the following areas: 1. demographics 2. work environment 3.the 'Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)' and the 'Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10)'. The primary outcome was the rate and level of anxiety/depression and stress among surveyed population defined according to adopted cut off values (HADS>13, PSS-10>14). Secondary outcomes included risk factors for increased HADS and PSS-10 scores. Results: : Among 1186 respondents, median aged 32 [29-36], 675 (44.5%) females, 96% reported a high level of anxiety/depression and 97% reported a high level of stress. Factors associated with significantly higher scores for anxiety/depression were increased work hours [OR 1.61 95%CI (1.12-2.34);p=0.01] and loss of pay [OR 5.53, 95% CI (1.57-19.47);p=0.008], while reduced work hours [OR 0.68 95% CI (0.48 - 0.98);p=0.03], increased salaries [OR 0.54 95% CI (0.35-0.85);p=0.003) and good training [OR 0.99 95%CI (0.99- 1.00);p=0.002] were associated with lower scores. Higher scores for stress were associated with higher professional experience [OR 1.08 95% CI (1.02-1.14);p=0.008], reduced salaries [OR 1.74 95% CI (1.01-2.92);p=0.04] and living with a partner [OR 1.53 95% CI (1.08-2.17);p=0.01]. Conclusions: : A high rate of young doctors working clinically during the COVID-19 pandemic reported a persistently high level of psychological distress more than six months after the initial outbreak. Improvements in work organization, including reduced work hours and financial security are essential to prevent further psychological suffering among young doctors worldwide.