Original Research
Depression, anxiety and coping mechanisms among mental healthcare practitioners during COVID-19
Submitted: 19 April 2024 | Published: 09 October 2024
About the author(s)
Yolandi Stals, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South AfricaEdwin du Plessis, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Paul J. Pretorius, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Mariette Nel, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Alexander Boateng, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed the psychological functioning of mental healthcare practitioners under severe strain. Coping methods may affect mental health outcomes.
Aim: The study examined the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress, and coping styles utilised by mental healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Setting: Three private and one public mental healthcare facility in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Methods: Respondents completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) inventories. An ordinal regression model was used to assess the relationship between coping styles, anxiety and depression.
Results: A total of 212 practitioners were included in the analysis. According to DASS-21 measures, approximately 41% and 28% of respondents had moderate to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively, with the highest prevalence among younger female respondents and nurses. The association between stress severity, anxiety and depression was significant. Avoidant coping methods and two approach coping strategies (planning and acceptance) were associated with depression and anxiety. Anxiety was linked to an increased likelihood of transitioning to higher avoidant categories, while participants with depression were less likely to move to higher avoidant or approach categories.
Conclusion: Mental healthcare practitioners, especially nurses, experienced significant COVID-19-related psychological distress during the pandemic. Avoidant coping mechanisms may increase the risk of poor mental health outcomes.
Contribution: This study added data on the mental health effects of COVID-19 on mental healthcare practitioners, as well as psychological methods used to cope during the pandemic.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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