Coping by the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries - A review

In December 2019, an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, China. To date, this has spread across the globe, raising a number of significant challenges for healthcare workers (HCW). They are at the front line of the outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards including the high risk of contracting the infection. Long and irregular duty hours in very constrained environment can contribute to increased levels of stress and ultimately precipitate burnout. The witnessed physical suffering and death of the patients with imminent threat to one's own safety can induce anxiety, hyper-arousal, sleep disturbance, intrusive recollections and thoughts, depression, and grief among HCWs. In the coming weeks and months, they will face numerous additional stressors. It is important that proactive efforts are made to reduce the impact of the pandemic. Psychological support, optimism and communication are the essential factors to prepare for a pandemic or any other public health disaster. Developing countries allocate limited financial and technical resources towards pandemic preparedness. They also face some unique and difficult issues, which make preparing for a pandemic more challenging. This article highlights the challenges faced by HCWs during pandemic like Covid-19 in developing countries including the measures needed to protect occupational safety and psychological well-being.