Psycho-economic impact of Covid 19 pandemic on Otorhinolaryngology
practice in low and middle income countries
Abstract
Objectives To determine the perceived threats, psychological stress and
economic concerns among practicing otolaryngologists in low and middle
income countries facing the furry of COVID-19 pandemic, exposing the
soft underbelly of healthcare systems in resource limited economies.
Design A cross sectional anonymous, self-reported questionnaire-based
study was carried out among otolaryngologists in India over a period of
3 weeks during the countrywide lock-down. Setting An online platform was
used to host a questionnaire, publicized using various social media
platforms. Participants A total of 178 participants landed on the page,
73 were excluded at the first question itself, in all 105
otolaryngologists, who were allowed to proceed, completed the
questionnaire. Main Outcomes and Measures There are clear indications of
psychological stress among the practicing otolaryngologists. Main
reasons being anxiety about risk of infection from patients for self,
staff members and family, and economic impact of the increased
protective measures needed in view of pandemic. Results Out of the 105
Otolaryngologists who completed the survey, 57 (52.8%) were from
private sector. Significantly (p=0.001) higher number of private doctors
(66.7%) feared about escalated cost of running out-patient clinics
compared to government doctors (33.3%). Majority (80.8%) were against
routine surgeries during pandemic and difference between private and
government doctors was not significant (p=0.765). Increased stress
during this pandemic was perceived by 73.1%. Conclusions It can be
safely concluded based on this survey based study that to alleviate
fears of otolaryngologists in low middle income countries; a
comprehensive policy intervention is the need of the hour.