Mental Disorders Among Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

TL;DR

This study shows that many healthcare workers experienced anxiety and depression during the pandemic, with smoking and job insecurity as risk factors.

Contribution

The study identifies specific risk factors for anxiety and depression among healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Findings

42.1% of healthcare workers had mild anxiety, and 33.5% had severe anxiety.

Smoking was linked to a higher risk of anxiety (OR=4).

Non-permanent staff had a higher risk of depression (OR=3.34).

Abstract

Introduction:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that has become a regular part of care by health services. In the beginning, health services faced immense pressure due to new disease exposure, irregular schedules, and high work stress for healthcare workers. Unfortunately, their mental health was not adequately safeguarded, and there are few healthcare units that screen staff for depression and anxiety.

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression diagnoses among healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which depression (Beck questionnaire) and anxiety (Hamilton questionnaire) were investigated in health staff, after providing informed consent. This study was carried out during November and December 2022. All workers in all areas of a first-level unit were invited to participate in this research, so no sample calculation or sampling technique was required. Statistical analysis was performed using X2 and Student’s t-test.

Results: Among the 232 workers surveyed, the prevalence of mild anxiety, severe anxiety, and certain levels of depression was 42.1%, 33.5%, and 18.9%, respectively. The study revealed that smoking is associated with a higher risk of anxiety diagnosis (OR=4; CI95%=1.3-12.7). A higher score on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (OR=1.07; CI95%=1.04-1.11) as well as not being permanent staff (OR=3.34; CI95%=1.2-9.3) was found associated with depression diagnosis.

Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic increased the stress and pressure on healthcare workers. Thus, early detection, timely treatment, and effective prevention measures are necessary for safeguarding health status and the provision of healthcare services.