Psychological distress and associated factors related to COVID-19 pandemic among primary care physicians in Spain (STREPRIC study)
Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people in all nations of the world. In Spain, the epidemic is being especially harsh. The lack of protective measures is a major concern and may have caused emotional stress to Primary Care Physicians (PCPs). The aim of the study was to address the sources of psychological distress among Spanish PCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Observational, cross sectional study. A questionnaire consisting of 24 expressions was answered by PCPs working in their family health care centers in Spain during COVID-19 pandemic. A specific scale (EASE scale) was used to determine psychological distress, recently validated in the context of this pandemic. A Multivariate Linear Regression analysis was performed. Results 518 PCPs from different Spanish regions, participated in this survey. A total of 123 (23.7%) rated a high psychological distress score. Only half of PCPs received information about the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PCPs factors associated with higher levels of distress include female gender (1.69; CI 0.54, 2.84); Age (-0.43 (-0.61, 1.48)); working setting (rural) (0.84 (-0.34, 2.01)); lack of training in protective measures (1.96 (0.94, 2.99)). The absence of sick leave among colleagues, increased availability of PPEs, improved cleaning and hygiene conditions in health care centers facilities and the detection of COVID-19 RT-PCR for health care workers were associated with lower levels of distress. Conclusions One in four PCPs rated a high score for psychological distress. The availability of PEPs, training in their use, cleanliness and hygiene conditions in health care facilities and the availability of COVID-19 RT-PCR analyses for health workers, among others, are factors associated with the psychological distress of PCPs.