Determinants of Depression Among Health Care Professionals in the Northern Region, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Empirical Study

Background: Depression is increasing alarmingly across the globe; precipitated by a combination of factors ranging from socioeconomic instabilities to various kinds of stress. Depression denotes a mental health disorder characterized by prolonged sadness, feeling of helplessness, lack of interest in doing everyday activities cumulating negative consequences on an individual’s well-being and ability to function effectively in society. The condition is characterized by absence of positive effects, lack of interest in doing everyday activity, prolonged and persistent sadness and feeling of hopelessness. This mental health condition, if not detected early and mitigated, can devastate an individual’s quality of life and reduce productivity. Research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the mental health of Ghanaians, with Health Care Workers(HCWs)-frontliner, being the worst affected. Purpose: The study aimed to explore the determinants of depression among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Northern Region of Ghana at the height of the COVID -19 pandemic. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study design, with a sample size of 360 HCWs, randomly sampled using a multistage sampling technique: purposive sampling of three districts; stratification of health professions, and systematic sampling of respondents. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The study revealed that depression among HCWs was pervasive based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) scale. Statistically significant determinants of depression among HCWs were loss of a loved one, sexual harassment at work, the lack of social support system from government (employers) and society, vulnerability and proximity/exposure to COVID-19 cases. Providing counselling services, social and economic support system to HCWs can reduce the incidence of depression.