Prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress symptoms among doctors in COVID-19 treatment units: a cross-sectional study in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety, depression and stress symptoms among doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

STUDY

SETTING

Hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.

METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted during the third wave of the pandemic in Sri Lanka in 2021. The study included all the doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units in Anuradhapura. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 was used to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with anxiety, depression and stress symptoms.

PARTICIPANTS

Doctors working in hospitals with COVID treatment units in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms.

RESULTS

Among the 385 participants, 52% (n=201) were male, with a mean age of 36.1 years (SD 7.2). The majority were married (76%, n=291). Nearly 50% had less than 5 years of work experience. Prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress was 38% (95% CI 32.8% to 42.7%), 34% (95% CI 30.1% to 39.8%) and 21% (95% CI 16.6% to 24.9%), respectively. Lack of professional fulfilment, excessive workload, lack of psychological support, being a junior staff member, inadequate guidance, lack of occupational safety equipment, working in a COVID unit, having young children, being quarantined during the pandemic and having a history of psychiatric illness were associated with anxiety, depression and stress symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that nearly half of doctors working in hospitals with COVID-19 treatment units experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression or stress, which may have a negative impact on healthcare service delivery, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.