Prevalence of Depression among nursing staff in a tertiary care hospital in Wayanad, Kerala: An observational study

Abstract

Depression is a significant global health issue, affecting over 350 million individuals. A population-based study in

India reported a 15.1% prevalence of depression. Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, and their well-being

directly impacts hospital quality, making their mental health an essential concern.

Objectives-To estimate the prevalence of depression among nursing staff of a tertiary healthcare hospital. To

determine the association between depression and the sociodemographic factors influencing poor mental health.

Methodology-This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted among 201 nursing staff in a tertiary

healthcare hospital in Wayanad district of Kerala. Study was conducted between July 2024 to September 2024 by

complete enumeration method. A standardized Beck’s Depression Inventory Questionnaire was used to assess the

severity of depression among nursing staff.

Results

The mean age of nursing staff was 30.22 ± 6.49 years; 86% were women, and 14% were men. The majority were

Christians (44%). 42% of the study subjects were married and 54% were unmarried. 66% belonged to nuclear families,

22% to extended nuclear families, and 12% to joint families.35.2% (71) were normal, while 45.27 % had depression—

19.40%(39) mild mood disturbance,12.43% (25) borderline clinical depression, 16.91% (34) moderate, 12.43% (25)

severe, and 3.48% (7) extremely severe depression. Depression was linked to sex, age, marital status, work

experience, time spent with friends and distance of hospital from home.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that there is significant prevalence of depression among nursing staff and there is association of

depression with sociodemographic factors which can impact the Quality of service. Also due to the personal life and

the difficulties faced such as increased distance from home, marital status, time spent with friends, etc, there can be

a negative impact on professional life.