ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, most common symptoms and sociodemographic factors associated with depression among physicians in a government COVID-Center in Davao City, Philippines. Methodology: This cross-sectional study collected data from resident physicians from July to August 2020. Result(s): Two hundred fifty-one (251) out of 376 physicians responded (68.39% response rate). The average age was 30 years old, majority were female (58.57%, 147), single (78.88%, 198), frontline workers (77.29%, 194), with average hospital experience of 2.0 years. Ninety-six (38.26%) were assigned in surgical departments while 155 (61.75%) worked in nonsurgical departments. There were twelve respondents (4.78%) who had a history of psychiatric illness and 31 (12.35%) had previous psychiatric intervention, while 66 (26.29%) had a history of medical illness. Eighty-five (33.86%) had depression using PHQ-9;57 (22.71%) as mild, 19 (7.57%) moderate, 7 (2.79%) moderately severe and 2 (0.8%) severe. Out of 85 residents who were depressed, the most common symptoms were: low energy (81, 95.29%);anhedonia (76, 89.41%);and feeling depressed (72, 84.70%). Medical illness was associated with higher levels of depression. Physicians with a history of psychiatric illness, psychiatric intervention and medical illness had significantly higher levels of depression. Conclusion(s): More than a third (33.86%) of physicians screened positive for depression. Current mental health programs must be strengthened and made specific, to prevent and address depression especially among those who have a history of psychiatric and medical illness.Copyright © 2023