Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Resilience in Faculty Members of Birjand University of Medical Sciences Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental state of the faculty members of medical universities responsible for educating students in various fields of medicine needs to gain attention.

This study aimed to analyze the psychological state of the Birjand University of Medical Sciences faculty members following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this study, 122 faculty members of Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran, completed an online questionnaire containing demographic information along with two standard scales of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-21 (DASS-21) and Connor- Davidson Resilience Scale-25 (CDRISC-25). The data were analyzed using an independent t-test and ANOVA.

The prevalence of moderate to very severe depression, anxiety, and stress in the target group was 32%, 50%, and 41.8%, respectively. The lecturer rank members showed significantly lower resilience (P = 0.03). However, individuals with administrative positions had substantially higher resilience and lower depression and stress levels (P < 0.001). The resilience level was significantly higher in the participants with 10 - 20 years of work (P = 0.02). Master graduate members showed more depression and anxiety (P < 0.001). There was a significant negative relationship between resilience and stress, depression, and anxiety (P < 0.001).

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in the target group was considerable. Strengthening resilience according to its protective role could be an effective solution.