Prevalence, Severity, And Predictors Of Depressive Disorder Among Healthcare Workers In A Faith-Based Health System In Cameroon: Evidence From The Cameroon Baptist Health Services
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t70105Abstract
Depressive disorder among healthcare workers is a significant global occupational health concern, although evidence from faith based and resource constrained health systems in sub Saharan Africa remains limited. This study examined the prevalence, severity, and predictors of depressive disorder among healthcare workers within the Cameroon Baptist Health Services, which operates under conditions of political insecurity in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. A cross sectional baseline screening was conducted among 300 healthcare workers at Mbingo Baptist Hospital and Nkwen Baptist Hospital using the Beck Depression Inventory II. Depressive symptoms were identified using a clinical threshold score of 14 or higher, while scores ranging from 20 to 28 and 29 to 63 represented moderate and severe symptoms, respectively. Predictors were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Overall, 57.7% (173/300) of the healthcare workers screened positive for depressive symptoms. The prevalence was 55.8% at Mbingo Baptist Hospital and 60.0% at Nkwen Baptist Hospital. Among all participants, 32.7% experienced severe symptoms, while 25.0% experienced moderate symptoms. Cumulative trauma exposure was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.30, 95% CI [1.75, 3.05], p < .001). Nurses and midwives had higher odds of depressive symptoms than allied health staff (OR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.12, 3.75], p = .012), while female healthcare workers had higher odds than male workers (OR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.15, 2.65], p = .018). Supportive institutional leadership reduced the odds of depressive symptoms by 48% (OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.38, 0.78], p = .004), while each additional year of professional experience reduced the odds by 10% (OR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.82, 0.98], p = .025). Hospital site, marital status, and education level were not significant predictors. The findings demonstrate the need to integrate trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed leadership, and workplace wellness strategies within faith based health systems operating in conflict affected settings.
Keywords: depressive disorder, healthcare workers, prevalence, sub Saharan Africa, Cameroon, occupational mental health, faith based health system, Beck Depression Inventory II
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