Prevalence Of Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia Among Allied Health Professionals During The Pandemic Outbreak: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted by Dr. Leena R David and colleagues, aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among allied health professionals (AHPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks. The study identified a critical gap in the existing literature concerning the mental health of AHPs during such crises. The researchers systematically searched major databases and identified 267 relevant articles, of which five met the inclusion criteria for review. These studies collectively involved 11,148 healthcare professionals, with 831 (7.54%) being AHPs. The selected studies utilized various mental health assessment tools and reported prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among AHPs. The meta-analysis focused on three of the studies, revealing a pooled effect size of 0.21 for psychological stress and 0.19 for anxiety among AHPs. The results indicated that AHPs experienced moderate levels of psychological distress during infectious disease outbreaks. Several risk factors were identified, including younger age, gender, social support, and occupational characteristics. The role of supervisors and the provision of accurate information were also highlighted as crucial in managing AHPs' mental health. Despite the limitations of this study, including potential publication bias and heterogeneity among the selected studies, it provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by AHPs during pandemics. The authors emphasize the need for further research with larger sample sizes and validated measurement tools to better understand and address the mental health of AHPs. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of monitoring and supporting the mental well-being of AHPs, who play a vital role in healthcare delivery during infectious disease outbreaks. Policymakers and healthcare organizations are urged to take action to mitigate the impact on AHPs' mental health and ensure their readiness and resilience in facing future public health crises.