Anxiety and depression and work participation in 9300 Norwegian auxiliary nurses

Purpose: Auxiliary nurses experience high demands of emotional stress of their job. We investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Norwegian auxiliary nurses, currently working or on sick leave, employed in local health services and the association of these symptoms with length of work participation. We also examined potential differences in symptom load across all Norwegian municipalities. Methods: In a survey of 9329 Norwegian auxiliary nurses, anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression rating Scale (HADS). Data was analysed with multilevel logistic regression analysis with individuals nested in municipalities. Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms was about 8% among those currently in work and 16% among those on sick leave, while 18% and 32%, respectively, reported anxiety symptoms. Mixed anxiety and depression symptoms were reported by 5% among those currently in work and by 13% among those on sick leave. There were higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms among those with fewer years of work participation. Only 1-3% of the variability in anxiety and depression could be attributed to the municipality employer level. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression symptoms are highly prevalent among auxiliary nurses on sick leave and in nurses with little work experience. This calls for supportive and educational initiatives to improve mental health and work participation in this large group of health care professionals.