Abstract

Background: Psychological stress has been high among healthcare workers on the frontlines fighting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Emergency medicine (EM) residents are members of the frontline care teams in the fight against COVID-19, which puts them at a higher risk of psychological stress compared to other medical trainees. This study examined the psychological impact of this pandemic on EM trainee residents in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study used a survey sent to EM trainee residents throughout Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire collected demographic data and included questions evaluating stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout experienced while working during the pandemic.

Results: Of the 100 respondents eligible for inclusion, 85% were aged between 25 and 30, 32% were in the R1 training level, 52% were training in the Central region of Saudi Arabia, 92% were directly managing patients with COVID-19, 19% had been infected with COVID-19, 54% were satisfied with the personal protective equipment available, 52% were satisfied with the psychological support provided, and only 8% were aware of the psychological support program. Smokers (p-value=0.025) and those training in the Southern region (p-value=0.047) experienced the highest levels of anxiety. Those aged 31 to 35 (p-value=0.014), smokers (p-value=0.015), those in the R3 training level (p-value=0.036), and those with relatives who had contracted COVID-19 (p-value=0.02) reported the highest levels of depression. Those aged 36 to 40 (p-value=0.015), who were married (p-value=0.038), and those training in the Northern and Central regions (p-value=0.002) experienced the highest levels of stress. Those aged 31 to 35 (p-value=0.041), smokers (p-value=0.044), and those with relatives who had contracted COVID-19 (p-value=0.043) showed the highest levels of burnout.

Conclusion: EM trainee residents have been exposed to significantly high psychological affectation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological support was underutilized if trainee residents were aware of it at all. Awareness workshops or onthe- job orientation for EM residents regarding psychological support is required.

Keywords: Emergency medicine; Trainee residents; COVID-19; Pandemic