DETERMINANTS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN NURSES WORKING AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL HYDERABAD

Abstract

Nurses are frequently exposed to heavy workloads, staff shortages, emotional stress, workplace challenges, and demanding patient-care responsibilities specially those who are working in tertiary care hospitals. These factors affect their psychological well-being and contribute to depression and anxiety. Identifying the factors associated with these mental health problems is important for improving nurses’ well-being and the quality of patient care. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted among nurses working at a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad to identify the factors contributing to depression and anxiety among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital Hyderabad. This study will also assess and determine the level of anxiety and depression among nurses working in tertiary care hospital Hyderabad. Participants will be selected using an appropriate sampling technique. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic and work-related factors and a standardized tool for assessing depression and anxiety and this will be analyzed using SPSS version 27, to summarize the findings descriptive statistics will be used  while appropriate inferential statistical tests will be applied to determine the association between contributing factors and levels of depression and anxiety. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The study is expected to identify the magnitude of depression and anxiety among nurses and determine important contributing factors such as workload, working hours, inadequate staffing, workplace stress, lack of administrative support, and other occupational and socio-demographic factors. The findings of this study will provide evidence for hospital administrators and nursing managers to develop appropriate psychological support, stress-management strategies, adequate staffing policies, and a healthier work environment for nurses. Improving nurses’ mental well-being may ultimately contribute to better quality of patient care.