Prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression and their association with coping mechanisms among primary healthcare doctors in Petaling District, Selangor, during the transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Abdul Rahim, Ilyas and Senin, Mohamad Mu'izuddin and Mohamad Nazir, Syafiq and Wong, Augustina Chie Ing and Hussin, Sakina and Karunakaran, Parimala and Said, Abdul Hadi and Badrin, Salziyan (2026) Prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression and their association with coping mechanisms among primary healthcare doctors in Petaling District, Selangor, during the transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Malaysian Family Physician, 21 (13). pp. 1-15. ISSN 1985-207X

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Abstract

Introduction: Following Malaysia’s transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19, primary healthcare doctors (PHDs) experienced a substantial increase in workload , which combined with workforce shortages and continued exposure to infection risk, contributed to sustained psychological distress among PHDs. Assessing the mental health status and coping strategies of healthcare professionals during the recovery phase is essential to ensure the continuity of national healthcare services. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression among PHDs in private and public primary care clinics in Petaling, Selangor. It also analysed the relationship between these mental health conditions and coping mechanisms over 5 months. Selfadministered questionnaires containing sociodemographic items, as well as English versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Brief COPE were utilised. Multiple logistic regression was applied to determine the associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress. Results: A total of 230 participants were included. The median age was 35 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 28.7%, 23.0% and 20.4% respectively. Workplace conflict was significantly associated with higher odds of depression (AOR=2.497; 95% CI=1.230–5.070), anxiety (AOR=5.337; 95% CI=2.329–12.232) and stress (AOR=3.078; 95% CI=1.339–7.075). Avoidant coping strategies were associated with higher odds of depression (AOR=2.743; 95% CI=1.150–6.544) and anxiety (AOR=5.776; 95% CI=2.010–16.598). Conclusion: Current trends underscore the need to implement evidence-based coping strategies that directly address underlying factors contributing to depression and anxiety. Additional targeted interventions are required to improve the mental health of physicians post COVID-19 pandemic.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	129989/6765
Uncontrolled Keywords:	COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety, Coping skills, Primary healthcare
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health. Mental Illness Prevention
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	nur hakimah a manan
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2026 00:19
Last Update:	21 Jul 2026 00:19
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q4106
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129989

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