Common Mental Health Problems among Members of a Health Care Team Managing PMTCT Patients in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the prevalent mental health challenges encountered by healthcare workers involved in the management of HIV/AIDS patients within Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) centers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Recognizing the critical role healthcare workers play in the healthcare system, understanding their mental well-being is paramount for effective patient care and overall healthcare system resilience.

Objectives: The primary objectives of this research were to identify common mental health issues faced by healthcare teams, explore their interrelated nature, and analyze the influence of healthcare workers' roles in HIV patient care on mental health challenges.

Method: A diverse sample of healthcare professionals was studied, ranging from nurses to doctors, with a focus on their experiences with insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches, stigmatization, and somatization. A comprehensive methodology including surveys and statistical analyses was employed to capture the complex relationships between these variables.

Results: The study uncovered a myriad of mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers, notably headaches (48%), insomnia (42%), depression (29.9%), anxiety (19.9%), stigmatization (19.9%), and somatization (27%). Surprisingly, the research revealed that second-line healthcare workers exhibited higher vulnerability to these challenges compared to frontline workers, challenging established assumptions in the field. For example, among second-line healthcare workers, 50.8% experienced insomnia, 45.2% suffered from depression, 51.1% reported headaches, and 46.1% had somatic symptoms. These figures highlight the significant burden faced by this group.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health support programs for healthcare workers, emphasizing equitable workload distribution and policies combating workplace stigmatization. Addressing these challenges is vital not only for the well-being of healthcare workers but also for enhancing the quality of care provided to patients, thus ensuring a robust and effective healthcare workforce.

Recommendation: To address the mental health challenges identified, healthcare institutions should prioritize comprehensive mental health support programs, including counseling services and stress management workshops. Additionally, policies combating workplace stigmatization and discrimination should be implemented. Creating a supportive work environment, offering opportunities for professional development, and ensuring reasonable workload distribution are essential steps toward bolstering the resilience and effectiveness of the healthcare workforce in managing HIV/AIDS patients..