PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG PHYSICIANS IN MAJOR HOSPITALS IN TAIF CITY, SAUDI ARABIA IN 2020

Background: Physicians are exposed to many stressors, such as the burden imposed by expectations of a high degree of professionalism, responsibility for patient well-being and maintenance of relationships with patients and health workers, as well as concerns about medical errors and malpractice litigation. Depression is an emotional disturbance that leads to deterioration of abilities and daily activities; and it is considered to be a major public health problem and a leading predictor of functional disability and mortality. Physicians’ work is characterized by long working hours. Some studies have reported that lengthy working hours can be associated with depression in particular occupational settings.  Objectives: 1. To estimate prevalence rate of depression among physicians in different specialties selected in major hospitals, Taif city, Saudi Arabia. 2. To compare the prevalence rate of depression between different specialties, Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods this was a Cross-sectional study among physicians in major hospitals in Taif city, this study has been conducted only 5 major hospitals in ministry of health inside the Taif city. A sample size through the epi program was (291) doctors. The researcher has been use a questionnaire covering socio-demographic data and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The socio-demographic data contains 15 multiple-choice questions It has been written in English language and will be valid from 3 consultant. Results In our study only (63.6%) of the participated were (24-34 year), Male physicians (68.0%), physicians (71.1%) were Saudi. The prevalence of depression in the physicians is (22.3%). 65 out of the 291 respondents met the PHQ-9 negative criteria for depression. Of the 291 participants127 (43.6 %)  scored into the minimal depression category, also scored into the mild depression category, 21.6 % (63/291), but  into the moderate depression category 9.3% (27/291) into the severe  depression category (3.1%) and the data ranged from(0- 25) by mean +SD (8.305±4.933), also show that X2(140.838) and is a significant while p-value =<0.001 Conclusion the studies demonstrates that depression symptoms are common among physicians; the doctor-patient relationship issue is particularly stressful. Interventions implemented to minimize workload, improve doctor-patient relationships. which may improve their professional performance. Further research's is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing and treating depression among physicians in hospitals.

Keywords: Prevalence, depression, physicians, Saudi Arabia, Taif .