Anxiety, Depression, and Coping Mechanisms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Staff of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has posed a significant global public health challenge. COVID-19 affects all segments of the population, including healthcare workers in different facilities. There is a lack of research done within the hospital community, especially among staff in mental health centers.   Objective: The objective of the study was to assess anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic among the staff of Amanuel  Mental Specialized Hospital. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 423 participants were selected using a proportional stratified sampling method based on the working department. Self-reported HADS and the brief coping scale were used for data collection. Descriptive analysis, mainly frequencies and percentages, was conducted to estimate the prevalence and primary coping mechanisms used. Inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analyses, were used to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 44.5% and 33.4% respectively. The primary reported coping mechanism was using preventive measures, including wearing masks, keeping distance, using sanitizer, and washing hands before and after touching patients or materials, and the second coping mechanism was engaging in religious activities, such as attending religious places, reading religious books, and praying during the pandemic. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis indicated that being female was significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety and depression was high among the staff of Amanuel  Mental Specialized Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive and religious coping mechanisms were used by most participants. The results highlight the importance of assessing anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms for early detection and proper intervention of psychological problems during pandemic and emergency periods. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2025; 39(3)] Keywords: Anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms, COVID-19, mental health, hospital workers