Alarming New Findings: 39% of Nurses Faced Anxiety, 36% Battled Depression During COVID-19

Amid COVID-19’s early chaos, nurses were hailed as heroes—but a new meta-analysis published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences reveals a troubling side of this praise: about 39% experienced anxiety, and 36% faced depression. This analysis of nearly 40,000 nurses shows they suffer higher distress rates than other healthcare workers, spotlighting a pressing need for targeted support.

Key Takeaways:

Elevated Prevalence

Anxiety reached 38.5%, and depression 35.5%. These figures exceed rates seen in broader healthcare teams.

Workload & Emotional Toll

Frontline nurses endured relentless patient contact, evolving protocols, and intense emotional strain.

Critical Vulnerability

– Early data suggest female nurses faced the highest mental health risk, pointing to the importance of gender-specific support strategies.

Practical Steps :

Implement Early Screening

Routine screenings can help identify nurses at risk before symptoms escalate.

Strengthen Workplace Culture

Accessible mental health services, peer support, and adequate staffing can lessen isolation and burnout.

Plan for Future Threats

Emerging diseases like Mpox demand pandemic response plans that include robust mental health provisions for nurses.

For details on methods and data, explore the open-access article: https://pjms.org.pk/index.php/pjms/article/view/10828

#Nurses #MentalHealth #Pandemic #COVID19 #Depression #Anxiety #NurseBurnout #FrontlineWorkers #NursingWellBeing #HealthcareWorkers #MetaAnalysis #FemaleNurses #StressManagement #MentalHealthSupport

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