IDRAAC is taking part in a study which will allow the understanding of the effects of the perfect storm: COVID19 pandemic, the economic situation and the Beirut Blast in Lebanon on health workers in 8 major hospitals in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.

The study is a prospective cohort study including a baseline assessment and three follow up assessments (after 3, 6, and 12 months). Collaborators from 32 countries in 5 continents (America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) will participate in the study and it is coordinated by the University of Chile and Columbia University.

In Lebanon, employees at Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (SGHUMC) will be part of the study along with other treating facilities and university hospitals (American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Bellevue Medical Center, Hôpital Libanais Geitaoui, Hôtel Dieu de France, LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Rafik Hariri University Hospital).

Participants will answer an online questionnaire including a screening on psychiatric symptoms, questions on several emotional and social factors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and questions on their economic situation and previous stressors. Recently, the study in Lebanon is being modified to assess the stressors and PTSD as a result of the Beirut port blast as well.