Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression Among Frontline Nurses in Wuhan 6 Months After the Outbreak of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline nurses have experienced psychological problems. However, the depression of frontline nurses in Wuhan 6 months after the outbreak of COVID-19 has not been studied adequately. The purpose of this study was to investigate the depression of frontline nurses in Wuhan 6 months after the COVID-19 outbreak and to analyze possible risk and protective factors. MATERIAL/METHODS: Data were collected through Wenjuanxing from 612 frontline nurses in Wuhan national COVID-19-designated hospitals between July 27, 2020, and August 12, 2020. The levels of depression, family functioning, and psychological resilience were assessed among frontline nurses in Wuhan with a depression scale, family function scale, and 10-item psychological resilience scale, respectively. The factors associated with depressive symptoms were identified using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 126 respondents were included in the study. The overall prevalence of depression was 25.2%. The need for mental health services was a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms, while family functioning and psychological resilience were potential protective factors. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a major challenge to the depressive symptoms of frontline nursing in Wuhan, highlighting the need for all frontline nurses in Wuhan to be screened for depression regularly for timely intervention. CONCLUSIONS: To mitigate the impact of the pandemic on depression, psychological interventions for frontline nurses need to be implemented to preserve their mental health.