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.