Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (May 2021)

Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Healthcare Workers in Ethiopia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • Jemal K,
  • Deriba BS,
  • Geleta TA,
  • Tesema M,
  • Awol M,
  • Mengistu E,
  • Annous Y

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 17
pp. 1363 – 1373

Abstract

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Kemal Jemal,1 Berhanu Senbeta Deriba,2 Tinsae Abeya Geleta,2 Mengistu Tesema,2 Mukemil Awol,3 Endeshaw Mengistu,4 Youssef Annous5 1Salale University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Fitche, Ethiopia; 2Salale University, College of Sciences, Department of Public Health, Fitche, Ethiopia; 3Salale University, College of Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Fitche, Ethiopia; 4Salale University, College of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Fitche, Ethiopia; 5University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Kemal JemalSalale University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Fitche, EthiopiaEmail [email protected]: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a public health emergency that has affected many world nations, including Ethiopia. Aside from its implications on the community as a whole, COVID-19 has also been associated with a variety of mental health problems among healthcare workers (HCWs). In this study, we aim to assess the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs in central Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey from June 25, 2020, to July 25, 2020, in Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-reported Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were cleaned, coded, and analysed using SPSS Version 23. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the associated factors for mental health outcomes at a p-value of less than 0.05.Results: A total of 816 HCWs completed the self-report questionnaire. The percentage of HCWs who had moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were 60.3%, 78%, and 33.8%, respectively. Female participants, HCWs in the Oromiya Special Zone, medical laboratory professionals, and HCWs working in the COVID-19 treatment isolation centers were significantly more likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.Conclusion: In this study, HCWs reported a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Female participants, HCWs in the Oromiya Special Zone, medical laboratory professionals, and HCWs working in the COVID-19 treatment isolation centers were significantly more likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. It is imperative that the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health should develop psychological interventions to address the specific needs of HCWs who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Keywords: COVID-19, anxiety, depression, stress, health care workers, Ethiopia

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