COVID-19 Pandemic through the Lenses of Nurses and Midwives in Zambia: Exploring Depression, Anxiety and Stress

Abstract

Following the declaration of COVID-19 as an international health emergency, Zambia like many other countries implemented measures to limit human interaction and curb the spread of the disease. In the midst of these measures, nurses and midwives continue to provide care to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, which puts them at risk of contracting the disease and compromising their psychological wellbeing. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress experienced by nurses and midwives working in health facilities in two districts of Zambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive cross-sectional study involving 187 nurses and midwives was conducted between July and December 2020 in selected health facilities in Lusaka and Chilanga Districts. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) 21 was used to collect the data which was analysed using univariate analysis. Majority of the respondents were female (84%) and mean age at 30.1 (SD 9.05) years, 58.3 percent were married, and 50.84 percent had children. The mean work experience was 6.63 (SD 4.75) years, and 54 percent had worked for less than five years. Overall, 22.5 percent of nurses and midwives reported depression, 52.4 percent had anxiety and almost half (42.2%) had varying levels of stress. Anxiety and stress correlated significantly with working in COVID Isolation departments (P = 0.001). Strategies such as strict adherence to infection prevention measures, seeking help from family and friends and recognition by hospital management were a significant supportive measure (P < 0.001). Nurses and Midwives working directly with COVID-19 patients reported greater incidence of depression, anxiety and stress, similar to findings from previous research around the world. Therefore, efforts should be focused on developing and providing counselling and other support services to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and enhance psychological wellbeing for health professions.