Human rights as the key driver for development of Learning Disability services in Qatar.

Growing international consensus in recognising rights of individuals with disability to enabling environments has spurred on provision of services for support for these individuals. The provision of this support has however been variable across the globe, often depending upon the economic development and social stigma associated with disability within individual countries. Individuals with Mental health learning disability have experienced even more stigma and limitations to access care. Qatar, a young and economically prosperous country, has adopted this rights-based approach to developing services for individuals with learning disability. This has led to the development of a specialist mental health learning disability services which is taking its initial steps within the country. This specialist service places the individual and their family at the centre of developing and delivering care and aims at reducing stigma and improving access to specialist evidence-based care.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Personality Traits; Results from a Large National Cross-Sectional Survey in Qatar.

Attitudes to vaccination arise from a complex interplay of personal and environmental factors. This has been true for the COVID-19 vaccination attitudes too and understanding personal factors would help design immunisation strategies that help in infectious disease control. The five-factor model of personality has been established as a valid construct in exploring individual attitudes and traits. This institutional review board approved study explores the relationship between these five domains of personality and attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination in Qatar which has a migrant majority population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Qatar using an online survey link containing validated tools to measure vaccine hesitancy and personality traits. People from diverse ethnic and sociodemographic backgrounds, amounting to 5340 individuals, completed the self-report survey. After controlling for social and demographic variables, individuals scoring significantly higher on Conscientiousness were more likely to refuse the COVID-19 vaccination, while those scoring significantly lower on Openness to experience and Neuroticism were also more likely to refuse COVID-19 vaccination. Both groups of individuals scoring significantly higher and lower on Conscientiousness and Neuroticism, respectively, were more likely to trust their own research than trust endorsement of the COVID-19 vaccine from their doctor or healthcare organisation. The study highlights the highly complex and sometimes contradictory relationship between vaccine hesitancy and personality traits and makes a case for understanding this relationship better in order to inform successful immunisation strategies.

Maternal vaccine hesitancy towards COVID-19 immunisation of children in Qatar: a population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in Qatar to explore beliefs and attitudes among mothers towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination for their children and to understand major factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among these mothers. METHODS: A population-based, online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 15 October and 15 November 2020. A composite questionnaire incorporating a validated vaccine hesitancy tool was developed and administered in both English and Arabic. Approval was obtained from the local ethics committee. Participation was voluntary and offered to all adult residents of Qatar through an online link available on social media platforms and local news portals. Only adult respondents who self-identified as mothers were included in the present study. No personal identifying data were collected. RESULTS: Of the mothers surveyed, 29.4% exhibited COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy regarding their children. This exceeded these mothers' rate of personal vaccine hesitancy (27.5%). Hesitancy rates varied significantly with ethnicity, with the highest among Qatari mothers (51.3%). Intention to vaccinate children did not differ significantly between mothers who accepted the vaccine for themselves and those who did not. Overall, the main reported concerns related to long-term vaccine safety. To a significant extent, mothers relied most on self-directed research on vaccine safety for decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of maternal COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy exceeded both those mothers' rate of personal vaccine hesitancy and the hesitancy rate in the general population. The intention to vaccinate children was independent of maternal vaccination history. Factors influencing maternal vaccine hesitancy differ from those influencing personal hesitancy and require an informed public health response.

Prevalence and correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the elderly in Qatar: A cross-sectional study.

Older individuals are more vulnerable to severe coronavirus disease 2019 and medical complications. Vaccination stands as an efficient and safe vanguard against infection. However, negative attitudes and perceptions pertaining to available vaccines might hinder community inoculation. The aim of this study was to assess vaccine hesitancy and its psychosocial determinants among the elderly in Qatar. We conducted a cross-sectional study between October 15 and November 15, 2020, using a composite online survey including the Vaccine Attitudes Examination Scale in addition to questions on sociodemographic correlates and the role of healthcare professionals. The vaccine hesitancy rate was 19.5%. The main reasons for willingness to vaccinate included understanding the nature of disease and role of vaccination, in addition to information provided by physicians. Fears mainly centered around vaccine safety. Vaccine hesitators were more likely to be non-Qatari and having received the influenza vaccine at least once. Gender, marital status, socioeconomic status, educational level, and having completed childhood vaccinations were not associated with vaccine hesitancy. Efforts should be directed toward raising awareness of vaccine efficacy and safety profiles. Physicians should additionally be educated about their pivotal role in advocating vaccine acceptance. We recommend reassessing vaccine hesitancy and its associated factors following a year of campaigning and vaccine administration to identify and target vulnerable groups.

Impact of the fear of Covid-19 infection on intent to breastfeed; a cross sectional survey of a perinatal population in Qatar.

OBJECTIVES: Infection control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic have focused on limiting physical contact and decontamination by observing cleaning and hygiene rituals. Breastfeeding requires close physical contact and observance of hygienic measures like handwashing. Worries around contamination increase during the perinatal period and can be expressed as increase in obsessive compulsive symptoms. These symptoms have shown to impact breastfeeding rates. This study attempts to explore any relationship between the Covid-19 pandemic and perinatal obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and whether the Covid-19 pandemic has any impact on intent to breastfeed. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of perinatal women attending largest maternity centre in Qatar was carried out during the months of October to December 2020. Socio-demographic information, intent to breastfeed and information around obsessive compulsive thoughts around Covid-19 pandemic were collected using validated tools. RESULTS: 15.7% respondents report intent to not breastfeed. 21.4% respondents reported obsessive-compulsive symptoms. 77.3% respondents believed the biggest source of infection was from others while as only 12% of the respondents believed that the source of infection was through breastfeeding and 15.7% believed the vertical transmission as the main source of risk of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were increased and the rates of intent to breastfeed were decreased when compared with pre pandemic rates. The obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the intent to not breastfeed were significantly associated with fear of infection to the new-born. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were not significantly correlated with intent to breastfeed and can be seen as adaptive strategies utilized by women to continue breastfeeding in the context of fear of infection.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals With Pre-existing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the State of Qatar: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Published evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is conflicting. Most studies suggest an increase in the severity of OCD in people with pre-existing OCD, whereas some do not. Aim: Given the conflicting evidence globally and lack of data from the Arab world, we aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults with pre-existing OCD. Methods: A telephonic questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among adults with pre-existing OCD and specifically with fear of contamination and washing compulsions being major symptom dimensions of OCD. The severity of OCD during the pandemic was compared with their pre-pandemic scores. The severity of OCD was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Results: Those with the duration of diagnosis of OCD of<10 years showed a statistically significant increase in the mean YBOCS score of 5.54 from pre-pandemic to during pandemic, which was significant at p = 0.006. This significance was maintained across the Compulsive and Obsessive subsets of the scale. Conclusion: Adults with pre-existing OCD with fear of contamination reported a statistically significant increase in severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms only if the duration of their OCD diagnosis was relatively shorter (<10 years). In the context of the conflicting evidence regarding the worsening of OCD symptoms due to the unique infection control measures of this pandemic, this study highlights the importance of the impact of the duration of the disorder and the subtype of the disorder. Such classification might help public health resources to be directed better at those most at risk and also help us understand the very nature of this disorder better.

Stress Levels and Coping Strategies of Families of Adults With Intellectual Disability and Challenging Behaviours During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qatar.

This study investigated the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of caregivers of adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 7 to September 7, 2020 for caregivers of adults diagnosed with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours. Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory. Results showed moderate to high perceived stress levels in most caregivers (69%). The most frequent coping strategy was religion, followed by acceptance and active coping. Substance use and self-blame were less frequently used. The study revealed that emotional support, informational support and venting coping strategies were significant predictors of perceived stress levels. Restrictions on physical activity and social mobility caused by pandemic-related lockdowns have placed tremendous pressure on caregivers. Appropriate supportive measures should be implemented for the caregivers.

Assessing vaccine hesitancy among health-care workers in Jammu and Kashmir: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization declared vaccine hesitancy as one of the planet's top 10 global health threats in 2019. With the rollout of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccines, a survey was conducted to find out the hesitancy and the apprehensions that come along with taking COVID-19 vaccines among health-care workers (HCWs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an online cross-sectional survey which was developed and shared through social media platforms among the HCWs of Kashmir. The survey captured demographic data and used a validated hesitancy measurement tool from January 2021 to February 2021. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression using Stata 15 (Stata Corp. 2017. Stata Statistical Software: Release 15. College Station, TX: Stata Corp LLC). RESULTS: Willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine when available was seen in 67.7% of the HCWs. Overall, 9.59% of respondents reported unwillingness to receive a vaccine for COVID-19, while 22.7% were unsure. The most commonly cited reason for willingness to get vaccinated was an understanding of the disease and vaccination, as reported by 81.5%. Being single was significantly related to an increased risk of vaccine hesitancy (adjusted odds ratio = 5.27, 95% confidence interval: 2.07-13.40). Among vaccine attitudes, concerns about the safety of the vaccine, unforeseen problems in children, and possible unknown future adverse effects of the vaccine were the most important determinants of unwillingness. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of the HCWs showed vaccine hesitancy to the COVID-19 vaccine. Hesitancy attitudes were almost always driven by concern around the vaccine safety. States and health-care authorities need to recognize the massive trust deficit around the Covid-19 vaccine and use the popular media used by people to share credible and reliable information.

Vaccine hesitancy and coronavirus disease-19: Where do we stand?

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy is seen, globally, as a major factor that will determine future coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) spread and its effective management. This study aimed to identify COVID-19 vaccine perception, acceptance, confidence, hesitancy, and barriers among the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an online survey which was developed and shared through social media platforms among the general population of Kashmir. The survey captured demographic data and used a validated hesitancy measurement tool. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression using Stata 15 (Stata Corp. 2017. Stata Statistical Software: Release 15. College Station, TX, USA: Stata Corp LLC). RESULTS: A total of 835 responses were received. Most participants were males, with females compromising of 19.5% participants. 65.1% of participants were in the age group of 30-50, whereas 19.2% were below 30 years of age. 52.70% of respondents were willing to take the vaccine when available, while 32.5% of respondents were unsure about their decision of inoculation. The most cited reason for willingness to get vaccinated was an understanding of the disease and vaccination. 41.70% felt that the vaccines developed against COVID-19 have not been fully tested; therefore, concerns around the safety and its longer-term side effects were the reasons cited. Public health messaging should be tailored to address these concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat undermining the control of preventable infections. The government should take proactive steps to address the factors that may potentially impact the benefits expected from the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine in the union territory.

Psychiatric inpatients' views of their mental health, and their experience of social change, during the pandemic: A report from Qatar.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is only limited information on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people diagnosed with mental health disorders, especially people admitted to psychiatric wards. We surveyed the views of inpatients at Qatar's only psychiatric hospital regarding how the pandemic had affected their mental health and social changes they had experienced during the pandemic. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Nearly half (43%) of those who completed the survey reported that the pandemic had led to a deterioration in their mental health. Those who reported deterioration in their mental health during the pandemic were significantly more likely to have experienced negative social changes during the pandemic. Examples included increased stress from the home and reduced ability to discuss emotions/feelings with family members. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Mental health services need to ensure ongoing support for patients during and after the pandemic. Mental health nurses have a pivotal role including identifying early warning signs of relapse of mental disorders, delivering talking treatments and providing practical advice and COVID-19-related education. Further work is needed to assess the views of people diagnosed with mental health problems in different countries and at a different time point during the pandemic. ABSTRACT: Introduction The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people under the care of mental health services has received relatively little attention in the scientific literature. Aim To assess psychiatric inpatients' views regarding their mental health and experience of social change during the pandemic. Method Cross-sectional survey of consecutive patients admitted to Qatar's only psychiatric hospital between mid-June and mid-October 2020. Results Data were analysed for 114/284 (40%) patients admitted during the study period. 8 (7%) reported a history of COVID-19. 43% reported that the pandemic had led to deterioration in their mental health, 11% to an improvement and 39% that there had been no attributable change. Those reporting worsened mental health, attributable to the pandemic, were significantly more likely to report having experienced four negative social changes during the pandemic, namely reduced ability to discuss emotions/feelings with family members, decreased time spent exercising, decreased time spent relaxing and increased stress from the home. Demographic factors did not distinguish those reporting worsened mental health from those whose mental health was improved or unchanged. Discussion A large proportion of psychiatric inpatients reported negative social and mental health changes during the pandemic. However, the study cannot determine causality. Implications for practice Mental health services should consider the psychological and social aspects of people's lives, including their interactions with family, friends and the community. This is especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its wide impact on society. Interventions for people diagnosed with mental health disorders should address their psychological and social needs.

Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined individuals: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The mental health burden of COVID-19 has been examined in different settings. Existing research has relied on the latent variable model in assessing COVID-19-related distress. Network theory provides an alternative framework wherein symptoms are conceptualised as causal, interconnected constituents rather than outcomes of mental disorders. AIMS: To assess networks of self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined individuals. METHOD: Consenting individuals in different quarantine centres in Qatar completed the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale. We used partial correlation network methods to illustrate interactions of self-reported psychopathology. RESULTS: Participants with COVID-19 were significantly older and had a significantly higher proportion of males. The most central node was COVID-19, followed by thoughts of self-harm. COVID-19 status was strongly positively connected to thoughts of self-harm, which was positively connected to psychomotor changes, which were connected to decreased concentration. COVID-19 status was also positively connected to feeling anxious, which was strongly connected to inability to concentrate, which was connected to feeling afraid. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was the most influential factor, with the highest number and strength of connections to psychopathology in a network of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a quarantine setting. Beyond the resolution of the infection, therapeutic interventions targeting psychomotor changes might prove beneficial in reducing suicidality among quarantined individuals with COVID-19. Follow-up with mental health services after COVID-19 infection is needed to restore psychological well-being. Further research is needed to understand the short- and long-term psychological effects of COVID-19, and the outcomes of different therapeutic interventions.

Qatar Healthcare Workers' COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Attitudes: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Healthcare workers are the critical frontline workforce of the COVD-19 pandemic and are considered a target group for vaccination. Hesitancy to vaccinate is a major concern that can jeopardize the vaccination programme. The hesitancy rates in the general population and healthcare workers (HCWs) vary globally, and more importantly, hesitancy in HCWs is of particular concern, as it can influence the wider population. Materials and Methods: The present study evaluated the vaccine hesitancy rate and its sociodemographic and attitudinal factors among the HCWs in the state of Qatar. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey using a validated hesitancy measurement tool between October 15 and November 15, 2020. A total of 7,821 adults above the age of 18 years out of the 2.3 million adult Qatari residents completed the survey. While majority of the participants were from the general public, 1,546 participants were HCWs. Sociodemographic data, along with attitudes and beliefs around COVID-19 vaccination, were collected from the respondents. Results: We found that 12.9% of the study participants showed vaccine hesitancy, defined as definitely or probably will not take the vaccine if offered, and 25.31% reported that they were unsure about the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Female respondents were more hesitant toward the vaccine. Safety and efficacy concerns of vaccine were the significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The primary predictor for vaccine acceptance was a better understanding of the disease and vaccine. Discussion: Overall, 1 in 8 HCWs were reluctant to get vaccinated against COVID-19, mainly due to concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety. Education about the vaccine's safety and efficacy can potentially improve acceptance among healthcare workers.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in perinatal women: a cross sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination among perinatal women. METHODS: A nationwide online, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Qatar from 15th October 2020 to 15th November 2020 with voluntary participation open to all adult residents. Of the respondents, the population group for this study comprised the 341 pregnant and breastfeeding participants. The survey utilized a composite questionnaire incorporating a validated instrument to measure vaccine attitudes. The responses were recorded and analysed with statistical analysis being performed with SPSS software. Outcome measures included intentions towards vaccination and potential factors influencing vaccine hesitancy (contextual factors, vaccine specific concerns and group/individual influences). RESULTS: Perinatal women exhibited a vaccine hesitancy rate of 25% towards COVID-19 immunisation. The main concerns of the group were of infection risks and main factor determining vaccine hesitancy was of vaccine specific safety concerns. Previous vaccine "acceptors" showed vaccine hesitancy to COVID-19 immunisation. A third of the group cited non availability of the vaccine as a concern. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine trials amongst pregnant and lactating women have lagged behind those for general populations and this has compounded concerns around safety in this special group. Perinatal women constitute a vulnerable group and play an important role in vaccination of wider family members. This study highlights the need for trials and data for COVID-19 vaccine in this group to be able to achieve appreciable numbers needed for herd immunity and ultimately control of the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and attitudes in Qatar: A national cross-sectional survey of a migrant-majority population.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat undermining control of preventable infections. Emerging evidence suggests that hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination varies globally. Qatar has a unique population with around 90% of the population being economic migrants, and the degree and determinants of hesitancy are not known. METHODS: This study was carried out to evaluate the degree of vaccine hesitancy and its socio-demographic and attitudinal determinants across a representative sample. A national cross-sectional study using validated hesitancy measurement tool was carried out from October 15, 2020, to November 15, 2020. A total of 7821 adults completed the survey. Relevant socio-demographic data along with attitudes and beliefs around COVID-19 vaccination were collected from the respondents. RESULTS: 20.2% of the respondents stated they would not take the vaccine and 19.8% reported being unsure about taking the prospective COVID-19 vaccine. Citizens and females were more likely to be vaccine hesitators than immigrants and males, respectively. Concerns around the safety of COVID-19 vaccine and its longer-term side effects were the main concerns cited. Personal research around COVID-19 and vaccine were by far the most preferred methods that would increase confidence in accepting the vaccine across all demographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports an overall vaccine hesitancy of 20% toward the COVID-19 vaccine and the influence of social media on attitudes toward vaccination which is in keeping with emerging evidence. This finding comes at a time that is close to the start of mass immunization and reports from a migrant-majority population highlighting important socio-demographic determinants around vaccine hesitancy.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic within institutional quarantine and isolation centres and its sociodemographic correlates in Qatar: a cross-sectional study.

SETTING: The State of Qatar has had one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates globally and has used state-managed quarantine and isolation centres to limit the spread of infection. Quarantine and isolation have been shown to negatively affect the mental health of individuals. Qatar has a unique population, with around 90% of the population being economic migrants and a majority being blue-collar workers and labourers. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate the psychological impact of institutional isolation and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Qatar. The study also explored the sociodemographic correlates of this psychological impact. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: A cross-sectional study involving 748 consenting individuals in institutional quarantine and isolation in Qatar during the months of June and July 2020 was carried out. Relevant sociodemographic data along with depressive and anxiety symptomatology scores were collected from consenting adults at these facilities. RESULTS: 37.4% (n=270) of respondents reported depressive symptoms and 25.9% (n=189) reported anxiety symptoms. The scores were higher for individuals in isolation facilities and higher for migrants from poor socioeconomic group (p<0.001 for both). Within this group, although worries about infection were widely reported, lack of contact with the family was cited as one of the most important sources of distress. Respondents reported that contact with the family and reliable information were important factors that helped during the duration of isolation and quarantine. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reported significantly elevated scores for depression and anxiety during institutional quarantine, which is in keeping with emerging evidence. However, in contrast to other studies reporting mostly from native populations, this study of a population with an overwhelming majority of immigrants highlights the special mental health needs of this specific group and can inform future healthcare policies.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perinatal mental health of women.

Objectives The physical health impact of the coronavirus disease infection (COVID-19) has received attention worldwide; however, data around the psychological impact of the pandemic is still emerging and little has been reported on psychological effects among vulnerable groups. This study was undertaken with the aim of studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on perinatal mental health among women in Qatar. Methods A cross- sectional survey of women accessing maternity services in Qatar was carried out during the months of June and July 2020 at the local peak of the pandemic. Background data including relevant demographic details, pregnancy and mental health history, concerns, as well as helpful stress-reducing factors reported by women was collected. Depression and anxiety symptomatology was studied using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Results The survey results revealed a high prevalence of anxiety and Depressive symptomatology (34.4 and 39.2% respectively), based on PHQ-ADS scoring. These rates appeared much higher than the reported pre-pandemic prevalence and were not affected by occupation, previous mental health problems or pregnancy complications. Women's most commonly reported concerns as well as coping factors are discussed. Conclusions Results indicate a marked increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, among pregnant and puerperal individuals, who constitute a vulnerable group with respect to mental health morbidity. These findings can be used to inform public health interventions, among which, consideration should be given to routine mental health screening of vulnerable groups during major health crises.

Anxiety, Depression and Behavioural Changes in Junior Doctors and Medical Students Associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Medical students are known to have high levels of depression, anxiety and stress from the high-pressure environments that they study and train in. The coronavirus pandemic presents source of stress and anxiety to large populations in general, and to healthcare professionals in particular. This study was undertaken to assess the psychological effects of this pandemic on the mental health of medical students and trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was designed to capture information on the participant's anxieties related to the pandemic and included a validated tool for the assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms (GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively). The questionnaire was prepared on Google Forms, and the link to the questionnaire was disseminated to 113 medical students and junior doctors on 19 April 2020, and the survey closed on 22 April 2020 midnight. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 113 students, and 83 students participated. Of the participants, 47 (56.6%) were female and 36 (43.4%) were male, and 80 (96.4%) were aged less than 30 years old. Formal anxiety and depression scores using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 tools indicated 15/82 (18.3%) had anxiety scores of 0 (lowest possible) and 21/82 (25.6%) had the lowest possible depression score of 0. However, 6/82 (7.3%) had scores that were classified as severe depression. Females had significantly higher median anxiety (5 v 2, p < 0.002) and depression scores (5 v 3, p = 0.025) than male participants. Direct patient care and care of patients with Covid-19 did not result in significant deterioration in anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Female students/junior doctors showed higher anxiety and depression scores than males. Direct patient care and care of patients with Covid-19 did not result in a measurable deterioration in anxiety and depression in this study. In this stressful pandemic situation, it is imperative to look after the mental health of healthcare workers as well as patients.