Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Zimbabwean Healthcare Professionals Who Migrated to United Kingdom between 2018 – 2022

Abstract

This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of depression and anxiety amongst Zimbabwean health care workers that migrated to the  United Kingdom between the years 2018 – 2022. A cross-sectional online survey research design was applied focusing on the quantitative  method. Google forms were utilized to gather data. The survey employed the Shona Symptoms Questionnaire 14 which was inputted on  the online google forms. Random sampling was applied, everyone in the target population had an even and independent probability of participation. Results from the study indicated a high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms, with 63.63% of the study  participants having scores above 8/14 and 37.37% participants with scores below 8/14. A percentage comparison of gender indicated a  90% and 59% variation of depression and anxiety amongst males and females. In addition, findings from the current study suggested  that depression and anxiety levels are not the same based on professional background. In conclusion, it is important that, before  migrating into the United Kingdom, Zimbabwean healthcare workers together with their families, be psychologically prepared to adjust  their lifestyles to fit in a new multi-cultural society. Furthermore, a comprehensive psychological tool kit, along with regular and intensive  employee wellness programs must be introduced for newly arrived migrants in developed countries.