Exploring the Interplay of Demographic and Work-related Factors on Mental Health among Hospital Operating Theater Staff: A Cross-sectional Study
Abdulmueen A. Alotaibi, Syed Shahid Habib, Thamir Al-Khlaiwi, Reem Ahmed AlSaif, Norah Abdullah Alsaegh, Majed Ghallab Alotaibi, Fayza AlghamdiAbstract
Aims:
This study explored how demographic and work-related factors impact the mental health of hospital operating room (OR) staff, focusing on depression, anxiety, and stress.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 227 operating theater healthcare professionals from five tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Key variables, including age, gender, marital status, job position, and education level, were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at
Results:
Younger staff members (≤35 years) had significantly higher rates of depression (33.8% normal, 54.3% mild, and 65.6% moderate to severe) and anxiety (35.5% normal, 51.8% mild, and 63.2% moderate to severe). Female staff had greater odds of experiencing anxiety compared to males. Marital status also played a role, with single individuals more likely to experience anxiety and stress. Stress was slightly less influenced by demographic variables but was still significant among younger and overburdened staff.
Conclusion:
The findings underline the importance of targeted mental health interventions for vulnerable groups, such as younger, female, single, and junior OR staff. Organizational strategies that optimize staffing, working hours, and psychosocial support may help reduce depression, anxiety, and stress among hospital operating theater personnel.