Post-traumatic growth among frontline doctors fighting against COVID-19 at a tertiary care public hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate post-traumatic growth experienced by medical doctors who served coronavirus disease-2019 patients.

Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical doctors of either gender aged >22 years who directly provided care for at least one month to coronavirus disease-2019 patients. Other than demographic and professional profile of the subjects, data was collected using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, with total score 60 indicating a positive post-traumatic growth. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.

Results: Of the 166 subjects approached, 150(90.3%) finished the study. There were 90(60%) females, 88(58.7%) were aged 25-35 years, 55(36.7%) were married, 107(71.3%) were postgraduate trainees, 79(52.7%) had 1-3 family members in the vulnerable groups, and 43(28.7%) had received any sort of psychological training. The mean post-traumatic growth score was 64.81±20.27 and 87(58%) doctors scored 60. The odds of experiencing post-traumatic growth for doctors with the number of vulnerable family members were significant (p 0.05). Doctors who had received psychological training before providing care to coronavirus disease-2019 patients showed higher odds of experiencing post-traumatic growth (p 0.05).

Conclusion: Coronavirus disease-2019 resulted in substantial positive psychological growth for frontline doctors. Psychological training showed a significant role in post-traumatic growth.

Key Words: Post-traumatic growth, Psychological COVID-19, Healthcare provider, Pakistan.