biostudies-literaturePool MMedical Research CouncilSouth African Medical Research Councile0299584https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10919616biostudies-literatureUnknown19(3)<h4>Introduction</h4>Healthcare workers globally have experienced increased social and occupational stressors in their working environments and communities because of COVID-19 which has increased the risk of mental health concerns. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Cape, South Africa. In addition, role-related stressors and coping strategies were explored.<h4>Material and methods</h4>We conducted a cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses working in public healthcare facilities across the Western Cape, South Africa. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), the Professional Quality of Life (PROQL-R-IV), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE-R) scales. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.<h4>Results</h4>The sample comprised 416 health workers (303 nurses, 113 doctors). Almost 40% of the sample (n = 161) had CES-D scores suggestive of probable depression, and 45.9% (n = 186) had GAD-7 scores suggestive of anxiety. In the logistic regression model, the odds of probable depression were higher for female participants compared to men (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.00-5.10) and for participants who used behavioural disengagement as a coping strategy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.14-1.97). More time spent working with COVID patients was associated with increased odds of having high levels of anxiety [OR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.02-1.25). Substance use (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.81), venting (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), and self-blame (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87) were some of the coping strategies used by healthcare workers. High levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout were found to increase the odds of both depression and anxiety.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Findings of this study suggest that there is a high prevalence of mental health issues among healthcare workers, and a critical need to focus on workplace mental health interventions to support these frontline workers.PloS oneThe prevalence of and factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in South Africa.PMC10919616MR/M014290/1(BM-NHSP)Sorsdahl KMyers Bvan der Westhuizen CPool MfalseThe prevalence of and factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in South Africa.<h4>Introduction</h4>Healthcare workers globally have experienced increased social and occupational stressors in their working environments and communities because of COVID-19 which has increased the risk of mental health concerns. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Cape, South Africa. In addition, role-related stressors and coping strategies were explored.<h4>Material and methods</h4>We conducted a cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses working in public healthcare facilities across the Western Cape, South Africa. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), the Professional Quality of Life (PROQL-R-IV), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE-R) scales. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.<h4>Results</h4>The sample comprised 416 health workers (303 nurses, 113 doctors). Almost 40% of the sample (n = 161) had CES-D scores suggestive of probable depression, and 45.9% (n = 186) had GAD-7 scores suggestive of anxiety. In the logistic regression model, the odds of probable depression were higher for female participants compared to men (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.00-5.10) and for participants who used behavioural disengagement as a coping strategy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.14-1.97). More time spent working with COVID patients was associated with increased odds of having high levels of anxiety [OR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.02-1.25). Substance use (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.81), venting (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), and self-blame (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87) were some of the coping strategies used by healthcare workers. High levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout were found to increase the odds of both depression and anxiety.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Findings of this study suggest that there is a high prevalence of mental health issues among healthcare workers, and a critical need to focus on workplace mental health interventions to support these frontline workers.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z20242026-06-12T10:07:26.906Z2025-04-04T12:34:47.352ZS-EPMC109196163845198210.1371/journal.pone.0299584