This is a cross-sectional, hospital-based survey conducted using an online questionnaire after getting IRB approval. The primary outcomes are to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among anesthesiologists working in Saudi Arabia. The secondary outcomes include the association of the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics with mental health in the study sample. The survey sent to the target participants using a web-based software platform (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZJ98BTJ) though the Saudi Society of Anesthesia. The study sample included anesthetists and their allied health care providers (nurses and technicians) involved in the management of COVID-19 patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and the ranked data for each level for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD were presented as numbers and percentages. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential influence factors on the outcomes. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the anesthesiologists are involved in the riskiest interventions e.g. airway management, endotracheal intubation, and resuscitation. So, they are subjected to a higher risk of infection compared to many other medical specialties. As a result, they are more subjected to psychological stresses. This study aimed to assess the level of stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic among anesthesiologists.