Prevalence and determinants of depression among primary healthcare workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 2020

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and assess the levels of depression among primary healthcare workers (HCWs) and to explore the associated determinants. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was carried out at 10 primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (October 2020–December 2020) involving care- and non-care-related professions. A Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and two levels of depression severity were considered and analyzed separately as dependent variables, including moderately severe or severe (Level 1 depression, PHQ-9 score ≥15); and moderate-to-severe (Level 2 depression, PHQ-9 score ≥10) for screening depression. Demographic and professional factors and the presence of stressors in different life dimensions were analyzed as independent variables. RESULTS: We received 256 valid participations with a female ratio = 2.56 and mean (SD) age = 35.7 (6.9) years. Nurses represented 43.8%, followed by physicians (21.1%), and dentists (13.3%). More than half were work stressors (52.7%), followed by social (30.5%), and health stressors (19.9%). The prevalence of Level 1 depression was 19.1% (95% CI = 14.5–24.5%), and was independently determined by female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.66, P = 0.006) and work stressors (OR = 3.08, P = 0.025). The prevalence of Level 2 depression (moderate-to-severe) was 36.3% (95% CI = 30.4–42.6%), and was independently determined by female gender (OR = 2.57, P = 0.013), work stressors (OR = 3.71, P = 0.004), and dentist position (OR = 4.12, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Primary care professionals are exposed to a high risk of depressive disorders, with significant contribution of work stressors. The issues related to psychological health and its relation to the working environment should be part of the organizational culture in all health institutions, both at the staff and managerial levels.