[Assessment of stress and anxiety among Moroccan interventional cardiologists]

Physicians are particularly vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and burnout. However, data on these conditions among interventional cardiologists remain limited. The objective of our study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Moroccan interventional cardiologists.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey of Moroccan interventional cardiologists. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the HADS scale. Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio.

The study included 77 Moroccan interventional cardiologists, the majority of whom were men (75.3%), with a mean age of 43.5 years. Assessment using the HADS scale showed a prevalence of anxiety of 58.4%, including 28.6% with moderate to severe anxiety. Depression was present in 32.5% of participants (including 10.4% with moderate to severe depression), and 64.9% exhibited an overall depressive state (minor or major). In univariate analysis, anxiety was significantly associated with difficulty falling asleep after emergency shifts, apprehension about complications, and stress related to contact with families. Depressive state was associated with working in the private sector, post-emergency sleep disturbances, and family-related stress. As for depression, no significant associations were found for the factors studied.

Anxiety and depression are common among Moroccan interventional cardiologists, linked to significant professional, emotional, and financial pressures. These findings highlight the need for appropriate prevention strategies and psychological support, as well as larger-scale research to better assess and manage this distress.