Mental health disorders among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey from three major hospitals in Kenya. Issue 6 (9th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Jasmit; Monroe-Wise, Aliza; Talib, Zohray; Nabiswa, Alphonse; Said, Mohammed; Abeid, Abdulaziz; Ali Mohamed, Mohamed; Mohamed, Sood; Ali, Sayed K
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 11:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-09
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- public health -- mental health -- depression & mood disorders; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Background: COVID-19 is an international global health emergency and has posed a great challenge to mental well-being and resilience. Little is known about the mental health impact of COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub-Saharan Africa or other low-resource settings. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between August and November 2020 among HCWs recruited from three major hospitals in Kenya. The survey questionnaire consisted of six components: demographic and work title characteristics; information regarding care of patients with COVID-19; and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and burnout, measured using standardised questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health disorders. Results: A total of 433 (65.2% response rate) individuals participated in the survey. Median age was 32.75 years, 58.4% were females and 68.8% were front-line workers. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and burnout were reported in 53.6%, 44.3%, 41.1%, 31.0% and 45.8% of all participants, respectively. Front-line HCWs, females and doctors were at higher risk of mental health symptoms. Nearly half of participants reported inadequate resources or training to care for patients with COVID-19, and those in the government hospital were more likely to report mental health symptoms. Conclusions: This is among the first studies examining mental health outcomes among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Similar to other studies from around the world, HCWs directly involved with patients with COVID-19 reported higher rates of mental health symptoms. Mitigating strategies specific to Kenyan HCWs are urgently needed to help them cope with mental health symptoms during the pandemic.