The Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Nurses during the Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Comparison between Nurses in the Frontline and the Second Line of Care Delivery

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can significantly affect mental health among healthcare providers, particularly nurses in the frontline (FL) and the second line (SL) of care delivery to afflicted patients.

This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among FL and SL nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in June–September 2020. Participants were 146 FL nurses and 206 SL nurses who were in direct contact with COVID19 patients in two hospitals in Sirjan, Iran. They were recruited to the study through a census. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Data analysis was done through the Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and independent-sample t tests.

The mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were, respectively, 15.87 ± 4.32, 8.35 ± 4.74, and 13.4 ± 4.39 among FL nurses and 9.91 ± 5.96, 6.91 ± 5.48, and 7.38 ± 3.95 among SL nurses. The between-group differences regarding these mean scores were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Depression, anxiety, and stress are highly prevalent among both FL and SL nurses who provide care to patients with COVID-19. Psychological support and education about stress management strategies for nurses can help them manage their depression, anxiety, and stress.