Exploring Psychological Stress among Health Care Worker AMID Pandemic COVID-19 in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic is a novelty that is affecting everyone. Pandemic-related problems, such as isolation and quarantine, social distance, economic and social pressure, may arise to cause major psychological problems specifically to those whom get infected by COVID-19, followed by frontliners such as health care workers and generally public. Thus, this study was conducted to explore psychological stress among health care worker amid COVID-19 pandemic, coping strategies and needs required by health care workers. This qualitative method, using purposive sampling with semi-structured via phone/online interviews among thirteen health care worker who worked in Government Clinic and Hospital in one of the District in Pahang state, Malaysia. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. 13 health care personnel were participated in this study with at least about 10 years working experiences. Demographic data include various variable such age, gender, role, marital status, working experiences and their original department. Data analysis discovered that 3 major themes capturing the important elements involves and contributed to psychological stress among health care worker during COVID-19 pandemic from this cohort group. The themes were classified as COVID-19 implications, coping strategies and needs. Each of the themes are further elaborated in details through the identification of sub-themes which consist of Psychological Effect, Working Environment, Social Effects, Self-care, Expression of Feelings (Emotion focused), Problem-focused coping strategie, Psychosocial support and Resource Management. Therefore, it is important to deal and recognize the ongoing distress that could be negatively impaired frontliners. Regular contact between support person should be consider to improve better self-adaptation, positive coping skills and self-care strategies. Nevertheless, consideration among policy makers and government are highly expected in serving frontliners while facing struggles and challenges during present pandemic. Implementation of services and targeted policy turn pivotal thus would protect frontliners, mentally and physically, to maintain the functioning of our nation’s healthcare.