scholarly journals Prevalence and Measurement of Anxiety and Depression in Working Nurses in Nepal: A Reflection of Professional Hazard in Low Income Nation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramila Karki ◽  
George W. B. J. Katwal ◽  
Ayush Chandra ◽  
Avinash Chandra

Abstract Background Anxiety, Depression is one of the under reported, underdiagnosed in Nepal though it is the leading cause of incapacitation and is the leading healthcare burden worldwide. The prevalence of anxiety, depression among health personnel is not reported. In this study we attempted to assess the incidence and impact of depression and anxiety in nurses who are working upfront in different hospitals. Method A cross-sectional study and observational analysis was carried out and the sample was collected from nurses working in different hospitals who had spent 6 months or more time as a working nurse in those hospitals. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using a structured validated questionnaire, The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) with a cut-off score for various levels of anxiety. Similarly, General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaires (GAD), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to assess depression and anxiety. Result The analysis of these different scales revealed that disabling anxiety prevailed at highest (43.6%) in nursing staff according to HAM-A scale. Moderate anxiety also seemed to be higher (>20%) in GAD questionnaire. The moderate to severe anxiety prevailed in majority of our study participants in all these scales (HAM-A, HAM-D, GAD). Interestingly, there seemed a strong association between HAM-A to GAD (p=0.008). Conclusions This is probably the first study of its kind that reports on the prevalence of anxiety, depression in the nurses who work in different hospitals in Nepal. We hope this study also depicts the mental health problems that the nursing professionals are suffering in other nations as well. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Nurse, Mental Health, Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramila Karki ◽  
George W. B. J. Katwal ◽  
Ayush Chandra ◽  
Avinash Chandra

Abstract Background Anxiety, Depression is one of the under reported, underdiagnosed in Nepal though it is the leading cause of incapacitation and is the leading healthcare burden worldwide. The prevalence of anxiety, depression among health personnel is not reported. In this study we attempted to assess the incidence and impact of depression and anxiety in nurses who are working upfront in different hospitals.Method A cross-sectional study was carried out and the sample was collected from nurses working in different hospitals who had spent 6 months or more time as a working nurse in those hospitals. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using a structured validated questionnaire, The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) with a cut-off score for various levels of anxiety. Similarly, General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaires (GAD), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to assess depression and anxiety.Result The analysis of these different scales revealed that disabling anxiety prevailed at highest (43.6%) in nursing staff according to HAM-A scale. Moderate anxiety also seemed to be higher (>20%) in GAD questionnaire. The moderate to severe anxiety prevailed in majority of our study participants in all these scales (HAM-A, HAM-D, GAD). Interestingly, there seemed a strong association between HAM-A to GAD (p=0.008).Conclusions This is probably the first study of its kind that reports on the prevalence of anxiety, depression in the nurses who work in different hospitals in Nepal. We hope this study also depicts the mental health problems that the medical professionals are suffering in other nations as well.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 059-063
Author(s):  
Chandra Ayush ◽  
Chandra Avinash ◽  
Sharma Nabina

Background: Anxiety and depression are under reported, underdiagnosed mental illness in health worker in Nepal especially during COVID pandemic. The study was carried out as an observational study on nurses in Nepal. In this study we attempted to assess the incidence and impact of depression and anxiety in nurses who are working upfront in different hospitals during this crisis. Objective: The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among nurses in Nepal during COVID pandemic who are working in various hospitals. Method: A cross-sectional non-probability purposive sampling with observational analysis was carried out and the sample was collected from nurses working in different hospitals. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using a structured and validated questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaires (GAD) with a cut-off score for various levels of anxiety while Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to assess depression. Result: The analysis of these different scales revealed that disabling anxiety prevailed at highest (43.6%) in nursing staff according to HAM-A scale. Moderate anxiety also seemed to be higher (> 20%) in GAD questionnaire. Conclusion: This is the first study carried out in Nepal that investigates the mental health of nurses who are working in the frontline in this COVID pandemic situation. The study revealed that our nurses who have given their life in the line are suffering from serious mental health problems.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramila Karki ◽  
George B. J. Katwal ◽  
Ayush Chandra ◽  
Avinash Chandra

Abstract BackgroundAnxiety and depression are under reported, underdiagnosed mental illness inhealth worker in Nepal especially during COVID pandemic.The study was carried out as an observational studyon nurses in Nepal. In this study we attempted to assess the incidence and impact of depression and anxietyin nurses who are working upfront in different hospitals during this crisis.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among nurses in Nepal during COVID pandemic who are working in various hospitals.MethodA cross-sectional non-probability purposive sampling with observational analysis was carried out and the sample was collected from nurses working in different hospitals. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using a structured and validated questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed with theHamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaires (GAD) with a cut-off score for various levels of anxiety while Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)was used to assess depression.ResultThe analysis of these different scales revealed that disabling anxiety prevailed at highest (43.6%) in nursing staff according to HAM-A scale. Moderateanxiety also seemed to be higher (>20%) in GAD questionnaire. ConclusionThis is the first study carried out in Nepal that investigates the mental health of nurses who are working in the frontline in this COVID pandemic situation. The study revealed that our nurses who have given their life in the line are suffering from serious mental health problems.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Devavrat Joshi

Abstract Background: Health care workers exposed to COVID-19 might be at increased risk of developing mental health problems. The study aimed to identify factors associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia among health workers involved in COVID-19 response in Nepal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted between April 26 and May 12, 2020. A total of 475 health workers participated in the study. Anxiety and depression were measured using a 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: 0- 21) and insomnia was measured by using a 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI: 0-28). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the risk factors of mental health outcomes. Results: Overall, 41.9% of health workers had symptoms of anxiety, 37.5% had depression symptoms and 33.9% had symptoms of insomnia. Stigma faced by health workers was significantly associated with higher odds of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.62-3.76), depression (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.34-3.11) and insomnia (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.46-3.84). History of medication for mental health problems was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI:1.31-8.81), depression (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.45-10.14) and insomnia (AOR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.52-9.62) while inadequate precautionary measures in the workplace was significantly associated with higher odds of exhibiting symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12-3.19) and depression (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.16-3.37). Nurses (AOR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21-4.47) were significantly more likely to experience anxiety symptoms than other health workers. Conclusion: The study findings revealed a considerate proportion of anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms among health workers during the early phase of the pandemic in Nepal. Health workers facing stigma, those with history of medication for mental health problems, and those reporting inadequate precautionary measures in their workplace were more at risk of developing mental health outcomes. A focus on improving mental wellbeing of health workers should be immediately initiated with attention to reduction of stigma, ensuring an adequate support system such as personal protective equipments, and family support for those with history of mental health problems.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Devavrat Joshi

Abstract Background Health care workers exposed to COVID-19 might be at increased risk of developing mental health problems. The study aimed to identify factors associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia among health workers involved in COVID-19 response in Nepal. Methods This was a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted between April 26 and May 12, 2020. A total of 475 health workers participated in the study. Anxiety and depression were measured using a 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: 0–21) and insomnia was measured by using a 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI: 0–28). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the risk factors of mental health outcomes. Results Overall, 41.9% of health workers had symptoms of anxiety, 37.5% had depression symptoms and 33.9% had symptoms of insomnia. Stigma faced by health workers was significantly associated with higher odds of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.62–3.76), depression (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.34–3.11) and insomnia (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.46–3.84). History of medication for mental health problems was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI:1.31–8.81), depression (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.45–10.14) and insomnia (AOR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.52–9.62) while inadequate precautionary measures in the workplace was significantly associated with higher odds of exhibiting symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12–3.19) and depression (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.16–3.37). Nurses (AOR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21–4.47) were significantly more likely to experience anxiety symptoms than other health workers. Conclusion The study findings revealed a considerate proportion of anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms among health workers during the early phase of the pandemic in Nepal. Health workers facing stigma, those with history of medication for mental health problems, and those reporting inadequate precautionary measures in their workplace were more at risk of developing mental health outcomes. A focus on improving mental wellbeing of health workers should be immediately initiated with attention to reduction of stigma, ensuring an adequate support system such as personal protective equipments, and family support for those with history of mental health problems.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Khanal ◽  
Navin Devkota ◽  
Minakshi Dahal ◽  
Kiran Paudel ◽  
Devavrat Joshi

Abstract Background: Health care workers exposed to COVID-19 might be at risk of developing mental health problems. The study aimed to identify factors associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia among health workers involved in COVID-19 response in Nepal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted in between April 26 to May 12, 2020. A total of 475 health workers participated in the study. Anxiety and depression were measured using 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: 0- 21) and insomnia was measured by using 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI: 0-28). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the risk factors of mental health outcomes. Results: Overall, 41.9% of health workers had symptoms of anxiety, 37.5% had depression symptoms and 33.9% had symptoms of insomnia. Stigma faced by health workers was significantly associated with higher odds of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.62-3.76), depression (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.34-3.11) and insomnia (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.46-3.84). History of medication for mental health problems was significantly associated with higher likelihood of experiencing symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI:1.31-8.81) , depression (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.45-10.14) and insomnia (AOR: 3.82; 95% CI: 1.52-9.62) while inadequate precautionary measures in the workplace was significantly associated with higher odds of exhibiting symptoms of anxiety (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12-3.19) and depression (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.16-3.37). Nurses (AOR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21-4.47) were significantly more likely to experience anxiety symptoms than other health workers. Conclusion: The study findings revealed higher proportion of anxiety, depression and insomnia among health workers during the early phase of the pandemic in Nepal. Health workers facing stigma, those with history of medication for mental health problem, and those reporting to having inadequate precautionary measures in their workplace were more at risk of developing mental health outcomes. A focus on improving mental health wellbeing of health workers should be immediately initiated with attention to reduction of stigma, ensuring adequate support system such as personal protective equipments, and family support for those with history of mental health problems.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Anil Kumar Roy ◽  
Nilesh Maruti Gujar ◽  
Arif Ali ◽  
Utpal Borah

Background: Studies have shown that caregivers of the persons with the neurological illness have high levels of psychological distress, depression and caregiver’s burden. The aim of the study was to find out anxiety, depression and caregiver’s burden among the caregivers of persons with neurological illness (PWNI). Method: Thirty caregivers of PWNI attending the Centre of Rehabilitation Sciences, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam were selected using purposive sampling technique for the present study. Socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Zarit Burden Interview Scale and The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. Results: The results shown that in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 26.6% of the caregivers' scores were in the abnormal range in the domain of depression. While in the domain of anxiety, 16.6% scored in the abnormal range. In Zarit Burden of Scale, 13.3% of the caregivers were having little or no burden, 26.6% of the caregivers were having mild to moderate level of burden, 20% were having moderate to severe burden and 30% were having a severe burden of care. Care burden has significant positive correlation with depression (r= .124, p≤ 0.01 and anxiety (r= .124, p≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Caregivers of PWNI have been found to be at higher risk of mental health problems and care burden. The importance of addressing the burden of caregivers involved in the care of PWNI need to be taken into consideration while providing treatment and rehabilitation of PWNI.     Keywords: Anxiety, depression, burden, neurological illness


Author(s):  
Rachel A. Fusco ◽  
Yan Yuan ◽  
Hyunji Lee ◽  
Christina E. Newhill

Low-income young adults are more likely to have exposure to trauma, which increases risk for mental health problems. Although adequate sleep promotes good health, people with histories of trauma are more likely to have sleep problems. The current study explored whether poor sleep mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and mental health. A sample of 143 low-income 18–24-year-old young adults completed depression, anxiety, and trauma exposure measures and wore sleep monitors for four nights. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine both direct and indirect effects of variables. Results showed that higher trauma exposure was associated with depression and anxiety. Mean sleep hours per night was fewer than six, far below recommended guidelines for optimal health and functioning. Fewer sleep hours partially mediated the relationship between both trauma exposure and depression and anxiety, and the direct effect from trauma remained significant after adjusting for the partial mediation from sleep.


Author(s):  
Ruth D Neill ◽  
Carolyn Blair ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Cherie Armour

Abstract Aim As individuals adjust to new ‘norms’ and ways of living during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a continuing need for up-to-date information and guidance. Evidence suggests that frequent media exposure is related to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 related media consumption is associated with changes in mental health outcomes. Methods This paper presents baseline data from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. The cross-sectional study data was collected using an online survey following the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with some other basic information collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of socio-demographic and media specific factors on anxiety and depression. Results The study suggested that media usage is statistically significantly associated with anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales with excessive media exposure related to higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion This study indicated that higher media consumption was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Worldwide it should be acknowledged that excessive media consumption, particularly social media relating to COVID-19, can have an effect on mental health. However, as this was a cross-sectional study we cannot infer any directionality as we cannot infer cause and effect; therefore, future research involving longitudinal data collection and analyses of variables over time is warranted.


Author(s):  
DEWI NURSUKMA PURQOTI ◽  
Zurriyatun Thoyyibah ◽  
ELISA OKTAVIANA

Earthquakes are consistently proven to relate of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders immediately after disaster. This condition will deteriorate if not detected early and well handled, so it requires mental health services (trauma healing). Excessive anxiety can have a detrimental impact on the mind as well as the body can even cause physical illness. Objectives: The study aims to determine the level of anxiety victims of Lombok earthquake. Methods: This research is a descriptive study with a cross sectional approach. Sampling techniques used by Purposive Sampling with a sample number of 40 people. Data analysis used is univariate with data presented in narrative form, frequency distribution table and percentage. Results: The results showed that 15 respondents experienced mild anxiety (37.5%) and 25 respondents experienced moderate anxiety (62.5%).  Discussion: In addition to physical impact, earthquake incidence also raises mental health problems, one of which is anxiety. Anxiety is a response to a specific situation that threatens and is a normal thing to happen. The instruments used in this study are the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) questionnaire. Anxiety in the medium category still experienced by respondents can be influenced by gender, age, level of education and experience in the event of an earthquake. Conclusion: most of the respondents in this study is still experiencing moderate anxiety.


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