The mental health toll among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Malawi
Loading...
Date
2024-05-06
Authors
Maliwichi, Limbika
Kondowe, Fiskani
Mchenga, Martina
Kainja, Jimmy
Ndasauka, Yamikani
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of healthcare workers worldwide, with frontline personnel experiencing heightened rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. This mixed-methods study aimed to assess the mental health toll of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey utilising the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) was conducted among 109 frontline healthcare workers. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 healthcare workers to explore their experiences and challenges during the pandemic. The results indicated a high prevalence of COVID-19-related depression (31%; CI [23, 41]), anxiety (30%; CI [22, 40]), and PTSD (25%; CI [17, 34]) among participants. Regression analysis revealed significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among healthcare workers in city referral hospitals compared to district hospitals. Qualitative findings highlighted the emotional distress, impact on work and personal life, and experiences of stigma and discrimination faced by healthcare workers. The stress process model provided a valuable framework for understanding the relationship among pandemic-related stressors, coping resources, and mental health outcomes. The findings underscore the urgent need for interventions and support systems to mitigate the mental health impact of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers in Malawi. Policymakers should prioritise the assessment and treatment of mental health problems among this critical workforce to maintain an effective pandemic response and build resilience for future crises.
Description
Contributions
L.M., Y.N., J.K., S.N., F.K., M.M., and C.M. conceptualised the idea and reviewed the manuscript. L.M., M.M., J.K., C.M. and F.K. analysed the data. L.M., Y.N., and F.K. drafted the paper. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Corresponding author
Correspondence to Yamikani Ndasauka.
Keywords
Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, COVID-19, Healthcare workers, Mixed methods, Stress process model, Malawi
Citation
Maliwichi, L., Kondowe, F., Mmanga, C. et al. The mental health toll among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malawi. Sci Rep 14, 10327 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61216-x