Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Healthcare Workers in Selected Hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This quantitative cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and levels of depression and anxiety symptoms among healthcare workers in selected hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and examined their association with selected demographic and work-related factors. The first thirty (30) respondents were used for pilot testing and were excluded from the final analysis, while the remaining three hundred (300) respondents served as the final study sample. Data were gathered using a structured printed questionnaire composed of demographic and work-related profile items, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Spearman rho, and Pearson correlation were used. Pilot testing showed good internal consistency for the PHQ-9 (Cronbach's alpha = 0.864) and GAD-7 (Cronbach's alpha = 0.889). Results showed a mean PHQ-9 score of 6.20 (SD = 5.23), with 128 respondents (42.7%) having at least mild depressive symptoms. The mean GAD-7 score was 3.60 (SD = 3.92), with 114 respondents (38.0%) having at least mild anxiety symptoms. Significant differences and relationships were found for selected variables. The findings served as basis for a proposed mental health support program focused on awareness, screening, referral, stress management, peer support, and workplace wellness.