A Systematic Review of the Rate and Associated Factors of Depression Among Filipino Nurses

Background The Philippines is a significant supplier of nurses worldwide despite facing a considerable nursing shortage of about 127,000 in its healthcare system. Given the challenging socioeconomic conditions that can heighten their risk for various mental health issues in the country, it is crucial to explore the rate and factors of depression among Filipino nurses to support them in their roles better. Aims This systematic review explores the rate and associated factors of depression among Filipino nurses. Methods After screening and assessing 56 studies from three databases, data from three studies were extracted, described, compared, and synthesized. Results The proportion of nurses who self-reported experiencing depressive symptoms among the eligible studies ranged from 19.5% to 45%, with 11.2% to 19.9% of participants indicating mild symptoms, 5.8% to 18.2% reporting moderate symptoms, and 2.5% to 6.8% reporting severe to extremely severe depressive symptoms. Depression rates were higher among nurses intending to migrate (31%) than those not intending to migrate (23%). Depression was positively associated with disengagement, exhaustion, and overall occupational burnout, while it was negatively associated with personal faith, spiritual contentment, and religious practice. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for community-based and hospital-based mental wellness programs for nurses that enhance their motivation, engagement, self-efficacy, and spirituality. Future research should explore longitudinal studies and broader sampling methods to enhance generalizability. Research can also focus on interventions, such as the different religious and spiritual practices, as well as policies addressing depression and its implications.