Prevalence and Determinants of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to occupational stressors that place them at elevated risk of mental health disorders, with implications for both workforce sustainability and patient safety. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among HCWs at a tertiary care hospital and to identify associated sociodemographic and occupational factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 HCWs (physicians, nurses, and allied health staff) selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and occupational variables and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Associations were tested using the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 34.5%, 41.3%, and 28.8%, respectively. Nurses reported the highest burden of anxiety (48.9%). In multivariable analysis, working >48 hours per week (aOR 2.31; 95% CI 1.47–3.63), night-shift duty (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.19–2.91), and <5 years of work experience (aOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.10–2.69) were independently associated with at least one adverse mental health outcome.
Conclusion: More than one-third of HCWs screened positive for a mental health problem. Workload regulation, shift rationalization, and institutional psychological support services are urgently needed.