“It is because of the love for the job that we are still here”: Mental health and psychosocial support among health care workers affected by attacks in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon

Abstract

Attacks on health care have important consequences for the mental health (MH) and work availability of health care workers (HCW). In the conflict-affected Northwest and Southwest (NWSW) regions of Cameroon, health care attacks are common; however, little is known on the MH burden and/or (mental) health-seeking behavior among affected HCW. We therefore conducted a survey on mental conditions (relying on SRQ-20 and WASSS assessments) and access to MH services among 470 HCW from 12 districts in NWSW Cameroon in January-February 2022. In-depth interviews on personal experiences with attacks and on accessing MH services were conducted with a subset of 96 HCW. Among surveyed HCW, 153 (33%) had experienced an attack in the past 6 months, and a further 121 (26%) had experienced attacks more than 6 months ago. HCW facing attacks <6 months ago had significantly higher odds of exhibiting mental disorders (aOR 5.8, 95%CI 3.0–11.3, p<0.001) and of being unable to function (aOR 3.3, 95%CI 1.9–5.7, p<0.001). HCW who experienced an attack >6 months also had higher odds of being unable to function (aOR 2.9, 95%CI 1.7–5.2, p<0.001), and of missing time off work in the week preceding the survey (aOR 3.1, 95%CI 1.8–5.5, p<0.001). Previous access to MH services was also higher among HCW facing attacks. HCW showed a good understanding of the added values of accessing MH services, but faced multiple access barriers (including poor availability of services and their own prioritization of the care of others) and indicated a preference for self-care, peer-support and/or religious support. In conclusion, health care attacks in NWSW Cameroon contributed significantly to severe mental conditions and absenteeism rates among HCW. Strengthening access to MH support among attack-affected HCW is indicated; this should include strengthening of formal MH services and building the capacity of HCW and religious leaders to provide peer-support.