Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Paediatric Healthcare Workers in Accra

Abstract

Background: The healthcare industry is vital for societal well-being, yet healthcare workers often face occupational stress, anxiety, and depression due to demanding work environments. Despite global research on these issues, there is a limited number of studies specifically focused on paediatric healthcare workers in Ghana, particularly within the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Understanding the prevalence of these mental health challenges and identifying coping strategies among paediatric healthcare workers is crucial for improving their well-being and enhancing healthcare services. Recent studies during the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted how complex emergencies exacerbate these mental health challenges among healthcare workers. Method: This facility-based cross-sectional study assessed depression, anxiety, and stress among paediatric healthcare workers in Accra. Using a multistage sampling technique, 207 respondents were selected from two paediatric hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating validated scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale-10. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential techniques to explore relationships and patterns, providing a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues among paediatric healthcare workers. Statistical tests included Chi-square, ANOVA, and linear regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results and Conclusions: The study found varying levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among paediatric healthcare workers, with minimal to severe symptoms across these areas. Age and gender showed no significant influence on these issues, though those with 6-10 years of experience and nurses reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD). Psychological factors, hospital conditions, unique work circumstances, and socio-economic status were identified as major contributors to SAD. Additionally, these mental health challenges were shown to decrease productivity, with stress having the most substantial impact. To cope, paediatric healthcare workers often focus on managing workload, healthy habits, and getting adequate rest, though strategies like seeking social support and delegation were less frequently used. The prevalence of stress was 79.3% (moderate: 35.9%, high: 43.4%), anxiety 52.02% (mild: 42.93%, moderate: 9.09%, severe: 0%) and depression 78.8% (mild: 36.4%, moderate: 12.1%, severe: 30.3%), based on established scale thresholds. Recent studies during the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted how complex emergencies exacerbate these mental health challenges among healthcare workers