Comparative Study of Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare and Non-Healthcare Workers Using WHO-QOL BREF and PHQ-9 Scale- An Indian Nationwide Cross-sectional Study

Background: The world population has been greatly affected by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic and the related financial, civil, psychological and mental health consequences. Considering the significance of QOL, it is imperative to consider the effects of the pandemic on the population. The study was designed to compare the psychological Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare and non- healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare and non-healthcare workers and a structured questionnaire was circulated in goggle forms via emails and social networking sites.

Results: The mean score for four QOL domains was 58.82 ±15.56, 56.45 ±15.52, 59.08 ±19.03 and 51.42 ±15.51, respectively. Among participants, (31.3%) had Minimal Depression,(33.4%) Mild depression, (24.7%) Moderate depression and (8.8%) had moderate-severe depression .Healthcare workers were found to be more depressed (34%) at a moderate level of depression and (11%) at severe depression while (11%) of non-Healthcare workers show moderate depression and 12 (5%) show moderately severe depression.

Conclusions: The study depicted the detrimental impact of the pandemic on the population, with healthcare workers being more affected by the pandemic and this study calls for use of appropriate psychological intervention to address the mental health needs of the population.