Depressive Symptoms and their Associated Factors among Physicians and Nurses in Military Healthcare Settings in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among healthcare workers, including physicians and nurses, and identify the factors contributing to its development

Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the two military hospitals in Taif, Saudi Arabia: Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital and Prince Mansour Community Military Hospital, from June 2024 to June 2025.

Methodology: The study was conducted to assess depression among healthcare workers in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The study included all physicians and nurses working at Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital and Prince Mansour
Community Military Hospital during the study period, provided they had worked there for at least six months.

Results: The sample consisted of 500 HCWs in the age range of 23-59 years. The study found that 64.8% of participants had depression, with 46.4% mild, 3.8% moderately severe, and 0.8% severe. Depression was more common in females (69.5%) than males (59.8%), with severe cases also higher in females (6.6% vs. 2.5%, p=0.036). Job-related factors played a key role, with head nurses (85.7%) and intern physicians (72.7%) having the highest depression rates, while physical therapists and nursing assistants had the lowest (38.5%). Depression was most prevalent among general surgeons and psychiatrists (80%) and least among radiologists (46.2%) and ICU workers (50%). Personal factors also contributed, as those who had lost a loved one in the past six months had significantly higher depression rates (71.8% vs. 64.2%, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of depression among healthcare workers, with females, head nurses, and intern physicians at greater risk. Job role and workplace significantly influenced depression levels, with general surgeons, psychiatrists, and workers at Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital experiencing higher rates.