Depression among Medical Staff during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Egypt: A Comparative Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak had created several challenges for health care workers and public worldwide. That pandemic also leads to a significant mental health crisis across the globe. AIM: The study aimed to determine depression levels of physicians who work in isolation hospitals that treat patients with COVID-19 and those with other health facilities in Egypt during COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors for depression were determined and interpreted to provide further psychological interventions for health care workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional web-based study among Egyptian physicians. The participants were divided into two groups based on their workplace; 1177 of whom worked in front line hospitals (group II) and the remaining 1154 physicians (group I) in other health facilities (second line). Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS: In group I and II, nearly one-third had mild depressive symptoms whereas 5.1% in group I and 14.6% in group II had severe ones with a significant difference between both groups (p = 0.001). Females, younger age groups, divorced or widowed, frontline physicians, 1–5 years of work experience, specialty jobs and contact with patients with COVID-19 were more affected than others. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are common among medical staff especially frontline health care workers. Regular evaluation of medical personnel involved in treatment and diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 must assess their stress, depression, and anxiety.