34% of medical staff in Ho Chi Minh City are at risk of depression

A survey shows that 34% of healthcare workers are at risk of depression, 31% face anxiety and 25% experience stress - Photo: TIEN QUOC

Risk of depression

In the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have faced enormous pressure and unprecedented challenges, leading to increased stress, anxiety and burnout.

In 2023-2024, the EpiC project (the project to complete the target and maintain control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic) coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to implement a program to improve mental health for health workers in the city.

Through a survey conducted by the EpiC project from December 2023 to May 2024 on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among healthcare workers in Ho Chi Minh City, barriers and trends in seeking mental health support were identified. The survey showed that 34% of healthcare workers were at risk of depression, 31% faced anxiety and 25% experienced stress.

Mental health care for healthcare workers

Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health - said that implementing mental health care activities for medical staff is the responsibility of hospital leaders, to ensure quality and work efficiency.

At the same time, hospitals need to build a mental health care network for medical staff right at the unit, in which leaders of social work departments or nursing departments should play a pioneering role.

Doctor Nguyen Thai Thanh Phong - Deputy Head of the General Planning Department (District 1 Hospital) - shared with Tuoi Tre that he often faces a lot of pressure, even insomnia due to the workload - Photo: TIEN QUOC

Doctor Nguyen Thai Thanh Phong - Deputy Head of the General Planning Department (District 1 Hospital) - shared with Tuoi Tre that the time of "fighting" the COVID-19 pandemic was truly a time of great pressure.

"In reality, medical staff in hospitals are often under terrible pressure. Some of my colleagues could not stand the pressure and had to quit their jobs, some moved to the private sector or became traders.

"It's great that the mental health of healthcare workers is taken care of. I hope this program will be implemented soon," said Dr. Phong.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/34-nhan-vien-y-te-tai-tp-hcm-co-nguy-co-tram-cam-20241011133225573.htm