Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Medical Staff Workers in Tripoli using the DASS-21 Method

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, and stress are common psychological conditions among healthcare workers, particularly in regions facing political instability and resource constraints. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of these conditions among medical and paramedical staff in Tripoli, Libya, and to explore associated sociodemographic and professional factors. A cross-sectional design was employed between 25 October and 3 December 2025, targeting physicians, nurses, technicians, and pharmacists working in selected healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic information and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), a validated instrument available in Arabic and English. The required sample size was calculated as 260 using Epi Info, and 181 participants were ultimately enrolled. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. The results revealed high prevalence rates of psychological distress, with depression affecting 70.2% of participants, anxiety 72.9%, and stress 65.7%. Severity analysis showed that moderate symptoms were most common for depression and stress, while extremely severe anxiety was reported by 34.8% of respondents. Gender differences were evident, with female healthcare workers reporting higher rates of anxiety, while technicians and doctors exhibited the highest prevalence across all conditions. Psychological symptoms were consistently observed across all categories of professional experience, with early-career staff slightly more affected. These findings highlight the substantial burden of mental health problems among healthcare workers in Libya and underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, institutional support, and policies to safeguard their psychological well-being.