Conducted over 12 months across five hospitals in Nairobi, the study followed 514 healthcare workers, examining depressive symptoms, workplace experiences and the role of social and digital support systems in shaping mental health outcomes. 

The findings paint a compelling picture of the mental and emotional burden carried by health care workers and underscore the need for stronger support systems within the health sector. 

“This study highlights the reality of what healthcare workers are carrying every day,” said Professor Zul Merali, Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute and Co-Principal Investigator of the UZIMA DS project. “The findings give us a clear chance to act and improve the systems that support our health care workers.”

The UZIMA DS Study shows that health care workers’ mental health is shaped not only by individual experiences but also by the environments in which they work. Workplace stress, discrimination, organizational culture, and limited support systems emerged as key drivers of poor mental health outcomes, highlighting the need for action at the health system level.

Professor Lukoye Atwoli, Deputy Director of the Brain and Mind Institute and Dean, Medical College, East Africa, AKU and Co-Principal Investigator of the study, emphasized that workforce wellbeing is fundamental to healthcare delivery, noting that “We cannot talk about quality health care without addressing the wellbeing of the people delivering that care. These findings show that mental health is central to how health systems function and perform.”

The study found that 16.9% of participants reported moderately severe depressive symptoms, while 5.5% experienced severe symptoms. Younger and early-career health care workers were particularly vulnerable, with limited social support and workplace stress significantly increasing risk. 

The findings are reflected in the lived experiences of health care workers, many of whom continue to navigate mental health challenges while providing care to others.

“Many health care workers are struggling quietly while continuing to show up for their patients. We need safe spaces to speak up, less stigma around seeking help, and workplace systems that actively support our mental health,” said Ms. Gladys Gatwiri, a health care worker.

At the policy level, the findings highlight the need to better integrate mental health into workforce planning, occupational health systems, and broader health system strengthening efforts. Ms. Mary Karongo, Deputy Director of Psychological Services and Technical Lead for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Workplace Mental Wellness at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government's commitment to evidence-informed action, stating that “We recognize that supporting health care workers’ mental health is key to better care and stronger health systems. The Ministry is committed to integrating mental health into workforce and occupational health strategies.” 

The study also identified promising opportunities for intervention. Health care workers expressed a strong willingness to engage with digital mental health tools, including mobile applications and wearable technologies, which could support early identification, monitoring, and timely care.

Overall, the UZIMA DS Study reinforces that health care worker wellbeing is fundamental to resilient health systems and underscores the need for preventive and sustainable approaches that place workforce mental health at the centre of health system strengthening.