Mental Health Status and Suicidality Among Bangladeshi Health Care Workers: A Year After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) cases and death tolls in Bangladesh are still rising a year after the pandemic began. However, no published data is available on mental health status and suicidality among Bangladeshi healthcare workers (HCWs) after a year of the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the mental health status and suicidality among Bangladeshi HCWs after a year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional nationwide multicentre survey was conducted in Bangladesh from March 8 to July 2, 2021. This study used the Bangla versions of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and three COVID-19-related suicidality questions to assess mental health status and suicidality. Results The questionnaire was completed by a total of 2,047 HCWs from Bangladesh. The study findings indicate that the prevalence rates of mental health disorders, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts were 38.6%, 3.9%, 2.4%, and 1.1%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that participants who lived in urban areas with lower socioeconomic status and were single were significantly more likely to experience mental health problems and suicidal ideation. Respondents who lived with family had a significantly lower chance of experiencing mental health problems and suicidal ideation. Moreover, respondents who worked as frontline workers were significantly more likely to suffer from mental health problems, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts. Moreover, it was observed that those with fewer than five years of professional experience had a considerably elevated likelihood of encountering mental health issues, while concurrently displaying a diminished probability of experiencing thoughts of suicide. In addition, respondents who exercised daily had a considerably lower risk of mental health problems and suicidal ideation. Conclusions The enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of HCWs in Bangladesh continues to be substantial, with a notable prevalence of mental health issues and suicidal tendencies. Based on identified factors, this study recommends formulating effective strategies, timely psychological support, and interventions to mitigate mental health problems and suicidality in HCWs.