Analyzing the Socio-Psychological challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic on the lives of Medical Doctors

Abstract

This study aims to explore the socio-psychological challenges of COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of medical doctors of the Twin cities of Pakistan. The research is multi-sited ethnography and employs qualitative research methods such as in-depth semi structured interviews, focused group discussions (FGDs) and informal discussions to collect data from a sample of 28 medical doctors among whom 14 were female while other 14 were male doctors. The sample was selected by using a combination of purposive and convenient sampling methods. Besides, informal discussions and observation were also vital source of data collection. Note-taking and audio recordings of the respondents proved helpful in documenting information from the field. The research question assumed that the pandemic has brought several challenges in the lives of doctors which have created several problems in their duty. The research concludes that doctors are highly facing the socio-psychological challenges during the pandemic. Social challenges are among those challenges being highly faced by the doctors in the line of their duty which includes lack of medical facilities, poor infrastructure, long working hours, work-life maintenance challenge, violation of standard operating procedures etc. COVID-19 has tested doctors and health-care workers to the limits of their professional competence and taken a considerable toll on their health and wellbeing. Doctors have had to balance their personal risk with their duty to care for patients as well as balance professional versus caring responsibilities for household members in high-risk groups. Doctors have played a vital role in treating patients before and during the pandemic. The researcher also aimed to get insight the mental health issues and the reasons behind those issues faced by the doctors. Findings revealed that doctors have faced stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and many other mental health problems due to various reasons explained in the research. The study also highlights the transition in the perceptions of people regarding doctors.