Stress Among Medical Staff During COVID-19 in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of medical staff, particularly those working in high-pressure environments such as tertiary care hospitals. Understanding the factors influencing stress levels in these professionals is essential for developing effective support strategies.Objective: To assess the level of stress among medical staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, from April to June 2022. A total of 172 medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, were randomly selected. Stress levels were measured using the DASS-21 stress subscale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with logistic regression employed to identify risk factors for elevated stress levels.Results: Among participants, 42.8% (n=74) had stress scores ≥ 15. Females had lower odds of high stress (OR: 0.48, P=0.046), and those infected with COVID-19 had a reduced likelihood of high stress (OR: 0.42, P=0.000).Conclusion: The study found significant associations between stress levels and factors such as gender and COVID-19 infection status, highlighting the need for tailored mental health support for healthcare workers.