Impact Of COVID-19 On Mental Health of Female Healthcare Workers Working at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad & Jamshoro

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic placed an extraordinary psychological burden on healthcare workers, particularly females who face the dual responsibility of professional duties and household roles. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of female healthcare workers in a tertiary care setting in Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, and Jamshoro. A total of 282 female healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, house officers, emergency personnel, and administrative staff, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics and psychological health. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Most respondents (60.6%) were aged 25–30 years, 87.9% were postgraduates, 70% were married, and 72.7% were mothers. High levels of psychological distress were reported: 95.7% experienced physical exhaustion, 85.1% anxiety, 69.5% depression while managing COVID-19 patients, and 96.8% feared infecting their families. Moreover, 88.7% reported post-duty stress, 87.9% felt overburdened, and 83.7% struggled to balance work and home responsibilities. Although 98.2% recognized their mental health status and 94.0% prioritized it, 87.6% stated that workplace mental health support was inadequate. Conclusion: Female healthcare workers experienced significant psychological distress during COVID-19, largely due to workload, emotional strain, and lack of institutional support. Provision of effective mental health services is essential to safeguard their well-being and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.