Pan-African Journal of Health and Environmental Science (Jun 2023)
Returning to Work: Mental Health and Wellness Post- COVID-19 and Psychoneuroimmunity Preventive Measures among Nairobi County Workforce
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted almost every aspect of daily living and placed unprecedented demands on society. Stress, anxiety, and depression continued to exacerbate substantially amidst the COVID-19 preventive protocols and guidelines. The mental health of individuals deteriorated, contributing to poor health and well-being and less productivity in the workforce, specifically in developing countries. This study aimed to quantify the possible psychological effects and psychoneuroimmunity prevention measures of the workforce returning to work after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed quantitative methodology to survey employees in Nairobi County. Specifically, a descriptive correlation design and analytical techniques were used to examine employees’ mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic and their return to work. The study participants were requested to complete an online questionnaire indicating their attitudes and behaviors pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to work practices post-COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Most participants were single females aged below 40 years whose children were above 16 years of age working in the administrative category. They reported a positive attitude towards quarantine regulations and believed that the psychoneuroimmunity preventive measures were necessary and adequate to stay healthy. Their stress, anxiety, and depression levels were low, probably because they had returned to work for over seven months. However, technical workers had a significant association with anxiety and female gender was correlated to depression. Age, children’s age, and gender were significantly associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and physical symptoms. Conclusion: Although the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted workers’ mental health and wellness, preventive measures mitigated these negative impacts and workers thrived post covid era at the workplace.
