Article Effect of Universal Intervention on Mental Health and Heart Rate Variability in COVID Center Workers

Effect of Universal Intervention on Mental Health and Heart Rate Variability in COVID Center Workers

Abstract

Introduction: It was reported across the globe that healthcare workers are exposed to stress, anxiety, depression and various other mental ailments. This was the first time that the frontline and healthcare workers were amidst the deadly disease due to high infectivity of the virus. They themselves were the victims of the disease yet they were trying to save other human lives. The healthcare workers had to face isolation due to quarantine. The disease and isolation seemed to be a perfect recipe for affecting the mental well being. It was decided to implement universal mental health intervention and study mental health and heart rate variability in them. Methods: Subjects were recruited. Baseline demographic data, anthropometric parameters, vitals and heart rate variability were recorded. Intervention: Universal mental health invention consisting positive psychology and lifestyle. Tool used were DASS 21 Questionnaire and HRV. Descriptive statistics and T test was applied were reported for T test, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: On administration of DASS 21, it was found that  mean total score, stress score, anxiety score and depression score were 3.76, 1.04, 2.13 and .59 respectively. On analysis of HRV, it was found that LF value, HF value and LF/HF ratio were normal which indicates that the sympathetic tone, parasympathetic tone and sympathovagal balance were within the normal range. Conclusion: Universal mental health and lifestyle measures help in maintaining mental wellbeing of healthcare and frontline workers which is vital for better patient outcome.