Depression among physicians and other medical employees involved in the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study.
Medicine (Baltimore)
; 100(15): e25290, 2021 Apr 16.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1289779
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Health care employees are the front liners whom are directly involved in the management of COVID-19 at high risk of developing psychological distress and other mental health illness. We aim to assess the burden of depression during this pandemic on health care employees treating COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. We also will shed the light on the best solutions of how to encounter depression.A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey conducted via a region-stratified, 2-stage cluster sample was conducted for 554 participants in >15 hospitals from April 29, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Depression is measured using the established PHQ9 score system. We grade PHQ9 depression scores as normal, 0 to 4, mild, 5 to 9, significant (moderate or severe), 10 to 27. χ2/Fisher exact test was used; significant association between level of depression and survey characteristics were made. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.A total of 554 participants completed the survey. A total of 18.9% (nâ=â105) were aged <29âyears, 51.2% (nâ=â284) were between 30 to 39âyears and female represent 70% of all participants. Of all participants, 53.7% (nâ=â298) were nurses, and 38.6% (nâ=â214) were physicians; 68.5% (nâ=â380) worked in central area hospitals in Saudi Arabia. No significant (Pâ=â.432, 95% confidence interval [CI]) association was observed between sex and depression classifications. However, female had high proportion of significant depression 75.0% (nâ=â76) was observed as compared to male 24.8% (nâ=â25). Depression was significant in Saudis 61.4% (nâ=â62) (Pâ<â.001, 95% CI) and medical staff who encountered corona patients 51.5% (nâ=â52) (Pâ<â.002, 95% CI). Hospital preparedness associated with more freedom of depression symptoms 69.1% (nâ=â199/288) (Pâ<â.001, 95% CI).Frontline young health care workers especially physician in Saudi Arabia reported a high rate of depression symptoms. Countermeasures for health care workers represent a key component for the mental and physical well-being as part of public health measures during this pandemic. Attention to hospital preparedness and adequacy of personal protective equipment contributed to milder depression symptoms. Further studies need to be conducted on crisis management and depression.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anxiety
/
Infection Control
/
Health Personnel
/
Depression
/
Occupational Stress
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Medicine (Baltimore)
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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