A Descriptive Study to Assess the Psychological Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Staff Nurses Working in Selected Tertiary Care Hospital of Ludhiana, Punjab

Abstract

Background: COVID-19, declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020, is
caused by SARS-CoV-2, affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
Symptoms range from mild to severe, with asymptomatic individuals
also spreading the virus. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, those
with underlying conditions, and children. Healthcare workers face
physical, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Aim: To evaluate the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on
staff nurses employed by a few Ludhiana, Punjab, tertiary care hospitals.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design assessed the
psychological effects of COVID-19 on staff nurses in Ludhiana, Punjab.
The pilot study included eight nurses, and 80 nurses from Nurses Hostel

Malakpur, working at Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, were select-
ed via convenience sampling. Data were collected electronically using

online forms and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study’s findings showed that the majority of nurses (62%)
knew nothing about the coronavirus prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
and that 70% of them did not know of any significant others who had
the virus. Additionally, some nurses reported that their coworkers (21%)
had tested positive for the virus. Seventy percent of nurses looked for
information about COVID-19 on the Internet or social media.
Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 67.5% of nurses reported

a positive public perception of healthcare workers. While 20% expe-
rienced moderate depression, 65% had normal depression scores.

Moderate anxiety was present in 31.3%, and 75% had varying anxiety
levels. Stress was subclinical in 76.3%, with mild stress (11.3%) linked
to COVID-19. Factors like limited prior knowledge, exposure to infected
individuals, media usage, and societal attitudes were associated with
nurses’ depression, anxiety, and stress. Overall, nurses reported low
stress, moderate anxiety, and depression levels.

How to cite this article:
Rashid A, Rashid B, Mukhtar T, Misbah S. A
Descriptive Study to Assess the Psychological
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Staff Nurses
Working in Selected Tertiary Care Hospital of
Ludhiana, Punjab. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med.
2025;11(1&2):4-9.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202502