Anxiety, Depression and Resilience among Primary Care Nurses Working in the Rural Health Units of Samar Province during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background and objective: Primary care nurses serve as the gatekeeper of the health system. They could be psychologically affected in times of health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess their perceived anxiety, depression, and resilience while working in the rural health units in Samar Province.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 188 primary care nurses who were working in rural health units (RHUs) in Samar province. They were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Resilience level was assessed using 18-item Resilience Scale. Pearson's r moment correlation and logistic regression analysis were used to determine associated factors with mental health.

Results: Twenty (20) nurses experienced anxiety and five of them reported depression. Work experience is associated with depression [Exp(B) = 3.753; 95% CI (1.121 - 12.563)]. Overall, nurses reported high resilience level. Anxiety and depression are significantly and negatively associated with resilience.

Conclusions: Primary care nurses experience depression and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic. Work experience is associated to their levels of depression. Moreover, nurses reported high levels of resilience. The higher the levels of anxiety and depression, the lower is their resilience.