# A longitudinal study of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health in ophthalmic personnel and students

## TL;DR

This study tracks how the mental health of eye care professionals and students was affected by the pandemic over time.

## Contribution

The study provides longitudinal insights into mental health changes among ophthalmic personnel and students during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- Stress scores decreased over time but remained higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- Students experienced less reduction in stress compared to other professionals.
- Vaccination was linked to reduced stress symptoms.

## Abstract

Our previous study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic posed mental health challenges to eye care professionals and students. The intent of this study was to identify the longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among ophthalmic personnel and students. Additionally, the potential risk factors for mental health problems were investigated.

A two-phase survey among eye care professionals and students in the USA and Canada was conducted. Phase 1 was administrated from June 23 to July 8, 2020, and has been published; Phase 2 was conducted from January 21 to February 2, 2021. A total of 824 eye care professionals and students participated in Phase 2, with a response rate of 44.1%. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured and calculated.

Compared with Phase 1, stress scores in Phase 2 were significantly reduced (P<0.001) although they were still higher than the pre-COVID level (P < .001). Scores for depression (P = 0.20) and anxiety (P = 0.40) showed no change, comparing Phase 2 to Phase 1. Reduction of stress scores significantly differed among occupations (P = 0.005); students had less reduction of stress than other eye care professionals (all P<0.05). Vaccination status was significantly associated with a reduction in stress scores (P = 0.04).

With the continuing COVID pandemic, although stress level was reduced at 7-month follow-up, the mental health of eye care professionals was still impacted. In this population, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with fewer stress symptoms. These results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic continues impacting mental health among eye care professionals, especially students. These study results warrant future interventions for eye care personnel and students to prevent or treat mental health disorders.