The state of the psychoemotional sphere and coping strategy in therapists during the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19

Objective. To establish the features of the state of the psychoemotional sphere and the coping strategies being implemented among medical workers of therapeutic specialties of COVID hospitals, medical personnel of polyclinics, and medical personnel of multidisciplinary hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjects and methods. The investigators examined the following groups of physicians: 1) 111 physicians of therapy specialties (TS) in the COVID hospitals; 2) 106 TS physicians in the multidisciplinary hospitals; and 3) 102 TS physicians in the polyclinics; and 4) 190 employees of engineering, technical, and economic specialties who are not related to work in the healthcare facilities (these are healthy). The development of psychoemotional disorders in TS physicians was studied by the integrative anxiety test (IAT). The coping strategies were assessed using the procedure designed by R. Lasarus and C. Folkman.

Results. The work of TS physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to a number of specific risk factors associated with the nursing of infected patients, as well as with significant changes in the organization of medical activity and its safety, which had contributed to an increase in stress levels, anxiety, and the use of coping strategies.

Conclusion. To assess the state of the affective and anxiety spheres in the TS physicians, it is recommended to use IAT and to assess the asthenic component of anxiety, emotional discomfort and promises. Also, when evaluating the severity of psychological reactions in TS physicians, coping strategies are recommended, by using the questionnaire "Coping Strategies" designed by R. Lasarus.