THE SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION AMONG MEDICAL WORKERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities of health systems, particularly in smaller regions, where limited resources and staffing shortages have exacerbated the mental health problems of health workers. Aim of the research. To analyze the symptoms of depression and their severity among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. The study was performed in the Republic of Crimea and involved 180 nurses and physicians, divided into two groups: Group 1 included 90 healthcare workers (50.0%) with no history of COVID-19; Group 2 included 90 healthcare workers (50.0%) who had recovered from COVID-19. The prevalence of depression and the severity of its symptoms were assessed using a modified PHQ-9 depression questionnaire. Age, gender, marital status, place of work, and position were analyzed to identify potential risk factors for depression among healthcare workers. Results. Depressive symptoms of varying severity were detected in 81.1% of participants in the entire sample. In Group 2, all healthcare workers (100%) showed signs of depression, while among participants who had not had COVID-19, depression was observed in 73.3% of cases (p < 0.05). In Group 1, minimal depression was detected in 17.8%, mild depression in 53.3%, moderate depression in 2.2%, and severe depression was not observed; in Group 2, minimal depression was established in 10.0%, mild depression in 23.3%, moderate depression in 41.1%, and severe depression in 14.4%. Differences in the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe depression in the comparison groups were reliable. The age of a healthcare worker under 40 years (OR 7.8; CI 3.1-6.2; p = 0.010), female gender (OR 5.5; CI 2.8-7.9; p = 0.014), being married (OR 2.1; CI 3.8-5.1; p = 0.016), working in institutions with quarantine restrictions (OR 3.7; CI 2.5-11.2; p = 0.003), and the position of a nurse (OR 6.4; CI 4.19-8.4; p = 0.004) significantly increased the risk of developing severe depression. Conclusion. The results indicate the need for epidemiological studies in small regions and the implementation of targeted programs to support the mental health of health workers, organize psychological assistance, train in stress management techniques, and create a favorable work environment.