Depression Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 illness has the ability to remarkably influence the mental well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs), who are facing this situation standing on frontline. Hence it is of foremost importance to observe mood changes, pattern of sleep and other symptoms of deterioration of mental health for forecastingaggravating factors and to suggest interventions. The purpose of the review is to combine and examine current available material on prevalence of depression in HCWs in current epidemic of COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search of exploration of literature records was carried out till May 30th; 2020.Two reviewers autonomously evaluated complete articles on the basis of already set criteria. For assessment of occurrence of particular mental health issues, the data was pooled by means of random-effects meta-analyses and risk of bias for each study was evaluated. Findings: Eleven research studies were made part of analysis and 25,413 participants were included in the study having estimated prevalence of 30.2% (95% CI 21.55-39·78, I2=99·53%).An assessment of a subgroup of above mentioned group of participants showed that belonging to female gender and being nondoctor were found susceptible to increased risk of depression. Conclusion: Evidence indicates that a high percentage of HCWs suffer from changes in mood and patterns of sleep during this epidemic, focusing the requirement to establish methods for alleviating factors deteriorating mental health during this critical situation.