Psychological distress and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to assess psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress) and associated factors among healthcare professionals working at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.DesignInstitution-based cross-sectional study.SettingThis study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.ParticipantsStudy participants were healthcare professionals from University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. They were selected for the study using a stratified sampling technique.MeasurementData were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to assess the depression, anxiety and stress levels. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to present the findings. To determine the predictor variables for depression, anxiety and stress, a binary logistic regression model was fitted. Finally, variables with p value <0.05 in the final model were declared as significantly associated with psychological distress.ResultAlmost half (49.5) of the participants have psychological distress. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers was 167 (42.7%), 201 (51.4%) and 242 (61.9%), respectively. In multivariable analysis, respondents found in the ages between 35 and 44; unmarried marital status; educational status with specialty, subspecialty and PhD holders; anaesthesia professionals; and healthcare professionals with known medical illness were significantly associated with depression. Unmarried marital status, anaesthesia professional, laboratory technologist and living with family were significantly associated with anxiety. Unmarried marital status; educational status with specialty, subspecialty and PhD holders; and anaesthesia professional were also statistically significant with stress.Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Gondar University healthcare professionals was high. This could contribute to implementation of mitigation measures in a standardised and sustainable manner and emphasis should be given to this aspect of health even for future similar and unanticipated events.

Psychological Distress among Pharmacists during Second Wave of Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The reason may be those with higher educational qualifications might be having more responsibilities during their duties. This is in line with previous studies conducted among health workers including pharmacists [ 35 , 36 ].…”

“…Te reason may be those with higher educational qualifcations might be having more responsibilities during their duties. Tis is in line with previous studies conducted among health workers including pharmacists [35,36]. However, a previous study among community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Spain did not show association between education and level of psychological distress [16].…”

COVID-19 pandemic-related depression and anxiety under lockdown: The chain mediating effect of self-efficacy and perceived stress

“…The findings revealed that isolated or quarantined populations with higher education level were more apt to develop depression or anxiety symptoms in comparison with those with a high school education or less, which was in consistent with prior findings that higher education level was significantly related to psychological distress like depression and stress ( 60 , 61 ). It could be conceived that people possessing higher education are likely to bear more burden on work, family or academic tasks, which contributed to their vulnerability to the impact of COVID-19.…”

Depressive Symptoms and its Associated Factors among Health Care Workers in Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia

“…However, the proportion of depressive symptoms, in our study was higher when compared to various studies conducted in Ethiopia; Eka kotebe Hospital 23.5% (29), Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital 27.8% (30), Gurage zonal public hospitals 25.8% (31), Saudi Arabia 43.9% (32), Southern China public hospital 38% (33), Southern Ethiopia 50.1% (22) and Gondar comprehensive specialized Hospital 42.7% (23). This discrepancy could be the result of different study designs and instruments; for example, the study conducted in Gondar and China utilized a DASS-21, whereas this study used a PHQ-9.…”

“…In eastern Ethiopia, the prevalence of minimal, mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms were 27.9%, 24.1%, 9.4%, and 1.1%, respectively (20). Another study in central Ethiopia (21), southern Ethiopia (22), and Gondar (23) reported highest prevalence of DD, 60.3%, 50.1%, and 42.7% respectively.…”