Mental health outcomes among osteopathic physicians during COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 infection responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated a significant burden on the mental health of health care providers. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the mental health symptoms among osteopathic physicians from a single academic institution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2021 to March 2021. The survey was emailed to 4239 alumni physicians from the single medical school in California, USA. Burnout, anxiety, and depression were assessed by the single-item Mini-Z Burnout Assessment, 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, respectively.

A total of 104 survey responses were analyzed. Of them, 53 (51.0%) were attending physicians and 51 (49.0%) were residents or fellow physicians. Anxiety, burnout, and depression were reported in 29 (29.9%), 31 (32%), and 11 (11.3%), respectively. Females had increased anxiety (OR 1.66, CI 1.21-2.27; P = 0.002). Resident had higher burnout symptoms (OR 1.28, CI 1.06-1.53; p = 0.009) and depression symptoms (OR 1.15, CI 1.01-1.30; p = 0.032) compared to attending physicians. Physicians who encountered >50 COVID-19 patients had higher depression symptoms (OR 1.17, CI 1.02-1.35; p = 0.027).

Our survey study demonstrated that osteopathic physicians graduated from a single academic institution experienced symptoms of anxiety, burnout, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the validated questionnaires. A higher prevalence was shown in the lesser experienced group of residents and fellow physicians compared to more experienced attending physicians. In addition, adjustments to the pandemic have caused a financial burden among osteopathic physicians. Future studies are warranted to assess the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health among osteopathic physicians.