Depression and burnout among nurses in a Lebanese academic medical center

Abstract

Background and Objectives : Healthcare providers are prone to mental health disorders with a prevalence higher than the general population. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and severity of burnout among nurses in a Lebanese academic medical center. This study also aims to identify factors that are associated with these symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in which 91 nurses responded to the survey pertaining to this study. The survey was anonymous and administered through an electronic form via e-mail. It included general socio-demographic questions and standardized validated tools to measure: depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9), burnout (Burnout Measure), anxiety (GAD-7), alcohol use (AUDIT), and drug abuse (DAST-10). Results: Overall 36.2% of the nurses qualified for major depressive symptomatology. The severity of burnout was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology, drug abuse and anxiety. Burnout was detected in 52.7% of the nurses. Conclusions: These findings indicate high rates of depression and burnout among nurses. These results can help in increasing awareness regarding the vulnerability of nurses to mental health problems. Addressing the mental health of nurses is a crucial factor in the multidisciplinary approach to patient care and nursing programs need to actively address the psychological wellbeing of nurses. © 2018 Lebanese Order of Physicians. All rights reserved.