# Psychological and Occupational Factors Associated with Depression Among Healthcare Providers During the COVID – 19 Pandemic in A Regional Referral Hospital in Kisumu County

## TL;DR

This study found that over half of healthcare workers in a Kenyan hospital showed signs of depression during the pandemic, linked to factors like age, work experience, and lack of support.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific occupational and psychological factors associated with depression among healthcare providers during the pandemic in a regional hospital setting.

## Key findings

- The overall prevalence of depression among healthcare providers was 57.4%.
- Factors like being over 30, married, and having over 6 years of work experience were associated with depression.

## Abstract

Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) spread across the globe, causing distress among various populations, including healthcare providers. This disease has had an unparalleled effect on the world’s economic situation, livelihood, mental and physical well-being across the globe.

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and identify the occupational and psychological factors associated with depression among health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in a regional referral hospital in Kisumu County.

We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study at JOOTRH where a total of 202 respondents participated in the study. The survey questionnaire consisted of four components: demographic factors, occupational factors, and psychological factors. Depression was measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data was analysed using the statistical package for Social Science version 28. Pearson chi-square was used to determine the occupational and psychological factors associated with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic at p ≤.05.

The overall prevalence of depression was at 57.4%. The occupational and psychological factors associated with depression among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic included being over 30 years old, married, having over 6 years of work experience, COVID-19 training, having an irregular work schedule, lacking psychological support services, and facing stigma.

The study findings revealed a considerable proportion of depressive symptoms among health providers during the COVID-19 pandemic at JOOTRH. Older age, being married, more years of work experience, previous exposure to pandemic, having COVID-19 training, and irregular work schedule, experience of stigma, and lack of psychological support were significantly associated with depression.