The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Health care Professionals
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide and has sig nificantly affected the mental well-being of healthcare professionals. Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) have been exposed not only to increased occupational risks but also to substantial psychological burden. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs. A systematic search was conducted in Greek and English electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Fifteen studies were identified, and ten were selected for analysis. Findings indicate that healthcare professionals frequently experience anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia, stress-related disorders, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accom plishment. Contributing factors include fear of infection, prolonged working hours, inadequate personal pro tective equipment, social stigma, role conflict, quarantine, misinformation, and concerns about family safety. The evidence highlights the urgent need for structured psychological support systems, regular mental health screening, and multidisciplinary intervention programs at both regional and national levels to safeguard the mental well-being of healthcare professionals during pandemic crises.
