Psychological impact of covid-19 pandemic in ICU medical professionals

Background: The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic had led to announce the state of emergency by the Moroccan government, with an important mobilization of health care workers that were daily exposed to considerable pressure. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and stress symptoms among these workers, at a distance of the pandemic. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in intensive care units of Ibn Rochd University Hospital during a period of six months, among doctors, nurses, and interns that have worked in Intensive care unit (ICU), two years after the pandemic. Results: the sample included 60 health workers, mean age was 27 years old [22, 36], sex ratio=1, 5; 23% suffered from certain anxiety and 15% of certain depression according to the HADS. As for stress symptoms, 28% had an acute stress state, while 15% had PTSD. The GSAQ found that 86% had at least one sleep disorder. The highest scores of psychiatric symptoms were associated with low income, lack of social support, female gender and within nurses. Conclusion: ICU professionals suffer considerable distress during stressful conditions such as pandemics. Effective prevention and support strategies are important to provide the necessary care.