Mental Health Support for Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia During Public Health Crises: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Practices

Abstract

Public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers worldwide. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize evidence-based practices for supporting the mental health of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during public health crises. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases. Studies were included if they focused on mental health interventions for healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during public health crises and were published in English between 2010 and 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 12 quantitative, 4 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods studies. The interventions reported in these studies included psychological support, stress management training, peer support programs, and digital mental health resources. The majority of the studies (n=14) reported positive outcomes, such as reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout, and improved coping strategies and resilience. However, several barriers to the implementation of mental health interventions were identified, including stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources. The findings of this review highlight the importance of providing evidence-based mental health support for healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during public health crises. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating culturally adapted interventions and addressing the barriers to implementation.