Mental health of general practitioners and family medicine specialists 2 years into the Covid-19 pandemic

Bibliographic Data

ID22090503
AuthorsMarija Zafirovska (0000-0003-3166-1090, University of Ljubljana, corresponding author), Jelena Danilenko (0000-0002-4466-6109, Riga Stradiņš University), Aleksandar Zafirovski (0000-0002-1259-688X, University of Ljubljana), Kristien Coteur (0000-0002-3170-0195, KU Leuven), Heidrun Lingner (0000-0003-2074-0367, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover), Cristián Andrés Frigolett (KU Leuven), Milena Cojić (0000-0002-4395-0626, University of Montenegro), Mustafa Kürşat Şahin (0000-0002-3490-6009, Ondokuz Mayıs University), Carmen Bușneag (Spiru Haret University), Carmen Iliana Busneag, Nicola Buono (0000-0001-8797-477X, Società Italiana di Medicina Generale), Aleksander Stepanović (0000-0003-4155-0001, University of Ljubljana), Christine Brütting (0000-0003-0232-778X, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg), Lyubomir Kirilov Kirov (National Asociation of General Practitioners in Bulgaria), Zaim Jatić (0000-0002-5288-7745, University of Sarajevo), Liljana Ramasaco (0000-0001-8062-9906, University of Elbasan), Monika Brovč (National Institute of Public Health), Vanja Lazić (0000-0002-9336-3534, University Hospital Centre Zagreb), Erjona Abazaj (0000-0003-2386-4605, University of Medicine Tirana), Ljubin Šukriev
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1464639-1464639
Publication date2025-03-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1464639
PMID40144977
OpenAlexW4408379928
LanguageEN
References cited28

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted general medical practice by altering work structures and increasing teamwork while also adversely affecting the mental health of general practitioners and family medicine specialists. This study assesses depression, anxiety, and fear levels among general practitioners and family medicine specialists in Europe 2 years after the COVID-19 pandemic's onset, and it explores influencing factors. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included participants from 13 European countries. Data was collected from May to August 2022 with an anonymous online survey incorporating validated questionnaires for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and linear regression. Results: A total of 1,723 participants completed the survey. Findings indicated an overall mild to moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7: 5.4 ± 4.76) and depression (PHQ-9: 6.33 ± 5.43), and moderate fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19: 12.84 ± 5.29). Key determinants of anxiety, fear, and depression included country, at-risk status, patient non-compliance, and mental health history. Sex influenced anxiety and fear, losing co-workers to COVID-19 influenced anxiety and depression, while losing relatives or friends influenced fear. Conclusion: Two years into the pandemic, European general practitioners and family medicine specialists showed mild to moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and fear. Country, at-risk status, mental health history, and work-related challenges significantly affected mental health. Crucial interventions are needed to support healthcare workers during pandemics, focusing on protective measures, stable work environments, and coping strategies for anxiety and depression

Anxiety · Cross-sectional study · Depressive symptoms · Disease · Family medicine · Mental health · Observational study · Pandemic · Patient Health Questionnaire · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and healthcare impacts · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Medicine · Psychology