Psychological distress among health care professionals of the three COVID-19 most affected Regions in Cameroon: Prevalence and associated factors

Keubo, François Roger Nguépy; Mboua, Pierre Célestin; Tadongfack, Thomas Djifack; Tchoffo, Eugène Fokouong; Tatang, Cyrille Tasson; Zeuna, Julienne Ide; Noupoue, Edwige Mirabelle; Tsoplifack, Carine Blandine; Folefack, Guy Olivier

Abstract Objectives. – The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among health professionals in the three most affected regions in Cameroon. Materials and methods. – The study was a descriptive cross-sectional type. Participants were health care professionals working in the three chosen regions of Cameroon. The non_probability convinient sample technique and that of the snowball were valued via a web questionnaire. The non-exhaustive sample size was 292. The diagnosis of anxiety and depression was made by the HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale). Results. – The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety ranging from mild to severe and those of depression were 42.20% and 43.50% respectively. Anxiety symptoms were associated with the age of the participants (P = 0.006), fear of contamination (P = 0.019), fear of death (P = 0.000), and depressive symptoms associated to the fear of death (P = 0.000). Conclusion. – It is important that the improvement of working conditions and in particular the provision of protective equipment, the increase of staff, and the establishment of special accompaniment units for health personnel are taken into account in the fight against COVID-19 in Cameroon.