Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms Among Healthcare Professionals at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Overview

Journal Risk Manag Healthc Policy

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Public Health

Date 2024 Nov 4

PMID 39493377

Authors

Nur Adam Mohamed

Yusuf Abdirisak Mohamed

Tigad Abdisad Ali

Adan Ali Gabow

Fartun Mohamed Hilowle

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Depression, a prevalent mental health issue, can significantly impact healthcare workers (HCWs), leading to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and high medical errors. However, there is a dearth of information regarding depression among healthcare professionals in Somalia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms among healthcare professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs at Erdogan Hospital, in the capital city of Somalia. Data was collected using questionnaires on socio demographic, work-related characteristics and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify variables associated with depressive symptoms. A p-values of 0.05 as a cutoff for a significant association.

Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among healthcare professionals was 48.9% (95% CI: 45.4-56.9%). In multivariable analysis, being female (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.17-3.60), being a nurse (AOR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.14-8.48), unmarried (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.04-3.21), having insufficient sleep (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.45-4.70), a family history of mental illness (AOR = 3.31; 95% CI: 1.49-7.36), lack of physical activity (AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.19-5.62), and having low social support (AOR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.17-7.98) were all associated with increased odds of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: The study showed that nearly half of healthcare professionals experienced depressive symptoms. The study underscores the importance of efficient screening methods for identifying psychological symptoms in healthcare professionals, which is essential for enhancing their mental health and patient care. Therefore, we recommend that healthcare institutions and policymakers develop and implement screening measures to identify and improve the mental health well-being of HCWs, as well as provide high-quality patient care.

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