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

OBJECTIVES: The 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. DESIGN: Institution-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: This study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Study participants were healthcare professionals from University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. They were selected for the study using a stratified sampling technique. MEASUREMENT: Data 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. RESULT: Almost 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 RECOMMENDATION: The 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.

Observational study on hand washing practice during COVID-19 pandemic among bank visitors in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Hand washing has received considerable attention during the COVID‐19 pandemic and it is simple, cost-effective, and one of the first lines of defenses in ceasing the spread of the current pandemic. Hence, assessing the actual hand washing practice of bank visitors during COVID-19 pandemic will have tremendous contribution in the prevention and control strategy of the disease. Observational study followed by demonstration was conducted from May 1 to June 15, 2020, among bank visitors at Gondar town. A total of 415 bank users participated in the study. Data was collected through observation using check list and pretested questioner. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to show the association between outcome variable with determinant factors. P-value <0.05 was taken as significant. A total of 415 participants were enrolled on the study. Most of the participants, 245 (59%), were males and 369 (88.9%) come from urban area. One hundred fifty one (36.4%) completed secondary school. Majority of the participants, 388 (93.5%), heard and watched proper hand washing practice. The proportion of proper hand washing performance was 21.4% before demonstration, but after demonstration, it was increased to 82.2%. Study participants aged 25–30 years, age of 31–40, married and attended college and above were found to be significantly associated with proper hand-washing practice. Overall, there was a significant change of hand washing practice after demonstration. Health education and public mass medias are needed, especially audio–visual aids are very important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)