Depression and Suicide Risk Among Nursing Staff at a Honduran National Hospital

BACKGROUND

Depression and suicide risk among nursing staff have become increasingly concerning, especially given the demanding nature of their profession. The World Health Organization identifies depression as a primary factor contributing to global disability and suicide deaths.

METHODS

A descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted, encompassing the eligible personnel (n=82) out of a total of 102 nurses at the Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, from October to November 2022. The study utilized the Okasha assessment tool to gauge the prevalence of suicidal risk and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) instrument to analyze the extent and severity of depression. In addition, the participants completed a demographic survey.  Results: The average age of participants was 34.91 years, with a majority (86.6%) being female. In terms of work assignments, 54.9% were employed in the inpatient area. Regarding the mental health of the nursing staff, 78% displayed no or minimal depression, 9.7% presented mild depression, 7.3% showed moderate depression, 4.8% displayed severe depression, and 14.6% exhibited a suicide risk. Young adults had the highest prevalence of all three levels of depression, and the emergency department and inpatient area had the most at-risk individuals for suicidal tendencies.

CONCLUSION

The study offers a comprehensive insight into the demographics, work environment, and mental health of the nursing staff at the Honduran National Hospital. The results highlight the importance of specialized measures and strong support systems to safeguard the mental health of nursing staff.

Acute Appendicitis: Epidemiological, Clinical, Surgical, and Post-surgical Characteristics in a Honduran General Hospital

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency worldwide, yet data specific to Central America, including Honduras, are limited. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, surgical, and post-surgical characteristics of acute appendicitis in a Honduran general hospital.

METHODS

A descriptive, quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The study sample consisted of 100 patients admitted with acute appendicitis from January to April 2022. Data on demographic factors, surgical interventions, appendicitis phases, appendix location, and laboratory findings were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 28.5 years, with a slight male predominance (52%). Timely surgical intervention was performed in 95% of cases within the first 12 hours. The gangrenous phase was observed in 30% of patients, followed by the perforated (24%), edematous (24%), and suppurative (22%). Retrocecal appendicitis accounted for the majority of cases (66%). Moderate leucocytosis (46%) and severe leucocytosis (39%) were associated with acute appendicitis severity. A higher neutrophil percentage was indicative of complicated appendicitis. Computed tomography was underutilized, with only one patient undergoing the examination.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into Honduras' epidemiological, clinical, and surgical characteristics of acute appendicitis. Early surgical intervention and laboratory findings, such as leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage, can aid in assessing disease severity. Further research is warranted to understand the unique aspects of acute appendicitis in Central America and optimize patient management. This study highlights the need for multi-centre studies and long-term follow-up to enhance our understanding of appendicitis in similar populations.