A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms among Healthcare Workers in Pakistan during Covid Pandemic

Abstract

Workload and stress of healthcare workers has increased manifolds as result of COVID-19. Healthcare workers in developing countries like Pakistan face lack of resources and psychological support in addition to changes in work routines, fear, isolation and separation from families. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of depressive symptoms among healthcare workers in Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched on January 2^nd 2022. We included cross-sectional studies published during COVID outbreak in Pakistan (from January 2020 to December 2021). We extracted data on study characteristics and depression prevalence. Random effects models was used to conduct Meta-analysis.  In total, 10 studies involving 12507 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of depression was 25.5% (95% CI, 19.5% to 32.5%), with significant between-study heterogeneity (I²= 95.83%, Q=216.15, p < 0.001). This calls for urgent actions and interventions to support mental health care of healthcare workers in Pakistan.