IMPACT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL LIFE OF DOCTORS IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS: A CASE STUDY IN SAUDI ARABIA

Present study is exploratory in nature and focuses on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown in mental health and social life of doctors in public sector hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire specifically designed/developed for the current study. Questionnaire consisted of 18 items covering socio-demographic characteristics, preventive measures, mental health and social life of doctors. Inclusion/Exclusion criteria were established prior to the collection of data. The data were collected by students of the first semester studying in Executive Masters' Program HSAE613 in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Statistical analyses were carried out using a statistical software NCSS to unleash the latent patterns existing between socio-demographic characteristics and other study variables. Outcomes of the study provide necessary impetus to the administrative staff in health institutions to devise Post-COVID counselling and training sessions for the doctors to overcome the mental, social and physical stresses that they encountered during COVID-19.