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Revista Uruguaya de Medicina Interna

Print version ISSN 2393-6797On-line version ISSN 2393-6797

Abstract

INDACOCHEA-CACEDA, Sonia; TORRES-MALCA, Jenny Raquel; VERA-PONCE, Víctor Juan  and  DE LA CRUZ-VARGAS, Jhony A. Fear and anxiety about death in doctors in several Latin American countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rev. Urug. Med. Int. [online]. 2021, vol.6, n.3, pp.49-58.  Epub Dec 01, 2021. ISSN 2393-6797.  https://doi.org/10.26445/06.03.5.

Introduction:

The COVID 19 pandemic has confronted doctors with complex situations in which fear and anxiety about their own death and that of another have been manifested in an important way among Peruvian doctors and those of some Latin American countries.

Methodology:

Analytical cross-sectional study. The Collet-Lester Modified Fear of Death Scale and the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), prepared by Templer, were used. The surveys were applied virtually. Results. 219 physicians were surveyed. 52% were male and 48% female. Of these, 68% were treating first-line COVID -19 patients. The frequencies of fear of one's own death, the process of dying one's own, fear of the death of another, the process of dying of the other and anxiety were 56.2%; 79.5%; 90.4; 90% and 80.8%, respectively.

Discussion:

Doctors have faced death many times in contact with their patients, but not to the extent that the pandemic has faced it. This has brought him a feeling of fear and anxiety of considerable magnitude. They are afraid not only of their own death but of the death of the other. We found a high frequency of anxiety. Several Latin American studies warn of this worrying situation that deteriorates the quality of life of doctors.

Conclusion:

This study shows high frequencies of fear and anxiety about death in doctors during this time of pandemic for which doctors must prepare and the health institutions where they work must provide them with the means to help them overcome these conditions.

Keywords : Covid -19 pandemic; Fear; Anxiety; Attitude towards Death.

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