The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among nurses during the coronavirus disease 2019: A comparison between nurses in the frontline and the second line of care delivery

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can significantly affect mental health among healthcare providers, particularly nurses in the frontline (FL) and the second line (SL) of care delivery to afflicted patients. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among FL and SL nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in June-September 2020. Participants were 146 FL nurses and 206 SL nurses who were in direct contact with COVID-19 patients in two hospitals in Sirjan, Iran. They were recruited to the study through a census. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Data analysis was done through the Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and independent-sample t tests. Results: The mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were, respectively, 15.87 +/- 4.32, 8.35 +/- 4.74, and 13.4 +/- 4.39 among FL nurses and 9.91 +/- 5.96, 6.91 +/- 5.48, and 7.38 +/- 3.95 among SL nurses. The between-group differences regarding these mean scores were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress are highly prevalent among both FL and SL nurses who provide care to patients with COVID-19. Psychological support and education about stress management strategies for nurses can help them manage their depression, anxiety, and stress.