Relationship between Demographic, Socioeconomic Factors, and Psychological Responses of Health Care Providers during COVID–19 Pandemic, Kenya

Abstract

Context: Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread across the globe, causing distress among various populations, including healthcare providers. This disease has had an unparalleled effect on the world's economic situation, livelihood, and mental and physical well-being across the globe.

Aim: To assess the healthcare providers' psychological responses and related demographic and socioeconomic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Methods: This was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu County, Kenya. A stratified sampling method was used in the selection of 202 healthcare providers. The questionnaire used consisted of four components: demographic and socioeconomic factors. Standardized questionnaires measured the symptoms of depression and anxiety, the 9–item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ - 9) and the 7–item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD - 7), respectively.

Results: Among 202 healthcare providers, the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 57.4% and 59.9%, respectively. After using Pearson Chi-square for the relationship of GAD with demographic characteristics, it was revealed that age (OR 0.1, p =