DOI: 10.36347/sajp.2023.v12i12.008

Pages: 307-314

Background: The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed problems to the educational sector and led to the closure of universities. This study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of academic staff at the University of Zambia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 academic staff at the University of Zambia from August 2022 to September 2022 using the English version of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analysed using SPSS version 28. Factors associated with anxiety and depression were determined by logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 392 participants, 57.1% were males. The prevalence of anxiety was 89.5% while depression was 94.4%. Factors associated with anxiety included being a widow (AOR=13.5, 95% CI: 1.28-140.79), married (AOR=3.96, 95% CI: 1.11-14.25), and being negatively impacted by the physical closure of classes (AOR=3.67, 95% CI: 1.6-8.45). Finally, having a chronic condition compared was associated with reduced odds of suffering from depression (AOR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-0.99). Conclusions: Academic staff at the University of Zambia experienced significant anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results form a basis for future interventions to protect the mental health of academic staff at the University of Zambia.