Mental health among nurses : A study of stress, anxiety and depression of nurses in referral hospitals of COVID-19 patients, in Iran

Abstract: Introduction: Nurses have had an essential role in developing care, treatment, and community health worldwide during the outbreak of COVID-19. Being in the front line of dealing with the disease, they are more likely to suffer from mental ill-health. Therefore, finding out more about these nurses’ mental health is very important. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the level of stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses who have been caring for COVID-19 patients in two referral hospitals in Karaj, Iran during the pandemic, and to assess differences among male and female nurses regard to their mental health. Method: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted, using an online survey distributed in two WhatsApp forums for nurses who have worked in referral hospitals in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The research sample includes 90 nurses working in Covid 19 department in two hospitals in Karaj (located in Iran). Evidence showed 54.4% of the participants in the survey are women and 45.6% are men. The age group of 31 to 40 has the highest share (37.8%) in the survey. The majority of nurses (78 people) in the sample have a university education (almost 87%). 68.9% of the nurses present at the survey work at least 40 hours a week in the hospital. In terms of marital status, 71.1% of the sample are married, 23.3% are single and 4.4% are divorced. Also, 47.8% of the sample (43 people) are responsible for caring for the disabled or elderly at home. According to the results of the study, the mean scores of stresses, anxiety and depression among nurses working in the Covid-19 department are 35.62, 33.71 and 33.60, respectively. Also, the level of anxiety and depression of nursing men was significantly higher than women; But in terms of stress levels, there is no significant difference between men and women. Conclusion: These finding show In Iranian hospitals, nurses who are in contact with Covid-19 patients suffer from high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Also, Male nurses experienced higher depression and anxiety than female nurses which is the opposite of what has been seen in previous studies. In the study sample, the percentage of men over 40 years old was higher than women in this age group. Also, in this study Men have been more responsible for caring for the elderly and disabled than women. Men in Iran are also responsible for providing for family expenses, and in the current situation in Iran, household expenses have increased sharply. These factors may partly explain the higher level of anxiety and depression in men than in women.