Assessing Psychological Morbidities in Hospital Staff During Nipah Virus Concerns: Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety

Faiz Mohamed, MBBS ; N. A. Uvais, MBBS, DPM ; P. Shihabudheen, MD ; Mohammed Jezeel Nalakath, MHA

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(2):24m03818

Abstract

Objective: The Nipah virus poses significant health risks, particularly in regions like Kerala, India, where outbreaks have occurred. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital during a period of heightened concern regarding Nipah virus exposure.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from September 28 to November 9, 2023, involving 240 health care workers recruited through a snowball sampling method. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that included demographic information and standardized instruments: the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) for anxiety.

Results: The study population comprised predominantly young adults aged 18–30 years (56.7%), with a majority being female (73.3%). Clinically significant depression was reported by 21.2% of participants, with varying severity levels, while 18% exhibited clinically significant anxiety. Nursing staff demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of both depression and anxiety compared to non-nursing staff (P < .05). A significant correlation was found between PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores (P < .001). Higher rates of depression were observed among staff exposed to the Nipah virus (P < .001) and those who had been quarantined (P < .001). Anxiety levels were notably elevated in the age 51–60 years group (P = .011).

Conclusion: The findings indicate a concerning prevalence of depression and anxiety among health care workers, particularly among nursing staff and those with exposure to the Nipah virus. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems within health care settings to address the psychological well being of staff during public health crises.

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(2):24m03818

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