The general population is at high risk of psychological impact of this pandemic on both the health care and non-health care workers. On the side of the healthcare workers, there is increased fear of contacting the virus, there is worry of bringing the virus home and infecting loved ones especially in homes with elderly and young children. Experience from previous epidemic (SARS AND HINI) has shown same psychological strain on health care professionals who find themselves at the frontline of the outbreak

The pandemic has led to absence of appropriate protective measures for healthcare workers due to increased demand. This has affected the involved countries globally with Nigeria not left out. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as of 11th May 2020, has recorded a total of 4641 cases (3589 active cases,902 discharged and 150 deaths) due to COVID-19 infection. This as well has increased the anxiety and concerns of healthcare workers. Amongst specialists, surgeons are known to be involved in work related activities that expose them significantly to infection with COVID-19. The occasional disruption of surgical care and cancellation of surgery do occur, but the current pandemic has unplanned implication for surgical services for patients due to lack of availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from high demand. Supply of surgical resources for surgical patients are down played, rather the increase demand for ventilators, hospital space and personnel are depriving surgical capacity to a point that important essential surgical delivery is at a halt. The latter with unavailable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has increased the risk of exposure and this amounts to some level of anxiety while discharging their professional duties.

This is an observational study conducted in a tertiary hospital (AlexEkwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Ebonyi State, Nigeria). A non-probability snowball sampling technique was used. Participants were assessed with an online sociodemographic/clinical and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) questionnaires, with a consent form appended to it. The link to the questionnaire was sent through WhatsApp and other social media to the contacts of various surgeons’ groups. On clicking on the link, there was an auto direction to study, informed consent and questions. Following agreement to participate on the study, the sociodemographic questions were taken and a sequential set of questions on career and GADs after which the participant clicks on submit button at the end.

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Regards
ALEX JOHN
Managing Editor
General Surgery: Open Access