Search Results (388)

Workplace violence (WV) is a ubiquitous risk in healthcare settings where it has been associated with physical and mental health problems. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the violence experienced by healthcare workers (HCWs) and the presence of eating disorders (EDs). During routine health surveillance, 1215 HCWs were questioned about their experience of WV and the short version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-QS) was used to assess their eating behaviors. Sleep quality, stress, and the presence of common mental illnesses and metabolic disorders were also evaluated. HCWs who had experienced one or more assaults in the previous year had a significantly higher EDE score than their colleagues. In a multivariate model, WV doubled the risk of EDs (odds ratio 2.33, confidence intervals 95% 1.30; 4.18, p < 0.01). A very significant association was observed between common mental disorders and EDs (OR 1.13, CI 95% 1.04; 1.23, p < 0.01), while low sleep quality almost reached a significant level (OR 1.09, CI 95% 0.99; 1.20). The higher frequency of EDs among workers subjected to violence may result from maladaptive coping mechanisms used when stress and mental health problems caused by WV lead to compensatory overeating. However, reverse causation, where WV is induced by stigmatization, cannot be ruled out. Because of the considerable impact EDs have on physical and mental health, productivity, and patient care, healthcare organizations should adopt programs designed to prevent these disorders in HCWs. Full article

Background: Overtime adversely affects physical and mental health, contributing to irritability, anxiety, reduced sleep, and even cardiovascular issues, ultimately lowering care quality and increasing turnover intentions. This study aimed to investigate whether prolonged overtime increases the risk of occupational burnout over time among healthcare workers. Methods: We conducted a four-year longitudinal observational study using secondary data from annual surveys (2021–2024) of healthcare workers at a medical university hospital in Taichung, Taiwan. Burnout was assessed using the personal burnout (PB) scale from the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), with high PB levels (HPBL) defined as scores in the upper quartile of the 2021 baseline. Survival analysis utilizing the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression investigated burnout progression and the effects of overtime. Results: HPBL was defined as PB scores ≥45.83 (upper quartile in 2021). The proportions of HPBL were 30.28% (2021), 33.29% (2022), 36.75% (2023), and 32.51% (2024). Survival analysis confirmed that the risk of burnout increased over time, with the survival time estimated at 2.50 ± 0.03 years and lower survival probabilities observed among participants working overtime (Log-rank test, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistics revealed overtime work, female gender, being a physician/nurse, and reduced sleep as independent risk factors for HPBL (OR = 3.14 for overtime, p < 0.001). These findings support the hypotheses on burnout progression and the impact of overtime. Conclusions: Overtime significantly heightens the risk of burnout, which worsens over time. Female sex, healthcare roles, obesity, and insufficient sleep are additional risk factors. Limiting overtime and proactive interventions are crucial to preventing burnout in healthcare workers. Full article

Background/Objectives: In late 2019, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic called the ‘coronavirus disease 2019’ (COVID-19). After the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, many individuals (up to 33%) complained of unexplained symptoms involving multiple organ systems and were diagnosed as having Long COVID-19 (LC-19). Currently, LC-19 is inadequately defined, requiring the formation of consistent diagnostic parameters to provide a foundation for ongoing and future studies of epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and therapy. LC-19 represents a significant burden on multiple levels. The reduced ability of workers to return to work or compromised work efficiency has led to consequences at national, economic, and societal levels by increasing dependence on community services. On a personal scale, the isolation and helplessness caused by the disease and its subsequent impact on the patient’s mental health and quality of life are incalculable. Methods: In this paper, we used Walker and Avants’ eight-step approach to perform a concept analysis of the term “Long COVID-19” and define its impact across these parameters. Results: Using this methodology, we provide an improved definition of LC-19 by connecting the clinical symptomology with previously under-addressed factors, such as mental, psychological, economic, and social effects. This definition of LC-19 features can help improve diagnostic procedures and help plan relevant healthcare services. Conclusions: LC-19 represents a complex and pressing public health challenge with diverse symptomology, an unpredictable timeline, and complex pathophysiology. This concept analysis serves as a tool for improving LC-19 definition, but it remains a dynamic disease with evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, requiring deeper investigation and understanding of its long-term effects. Full article

Background. Healthcare workers’ health can be influenced by physical, psychological, social, emotional, and work-related stress. MountainTherapy Activities (MTAs) are an integrated therapeutic approach that uses nature to enhance their well-being through group activities like hiking. This cross-sectional study examines well-being levels among Italian Departments of Mental Health workers who do or do not participate in MTAs. It hypothesizes that MTAs may reduce burnout, boost psychological resilience, and increase job satisfaction. Methods. The study involved 167 healthcare workers from 11 Italian Local Health Authorities, divided into MTA (who take part in MTA; n = 83) and non-MTA (who have never participated in MTA; n = 84) groups. They completed five validated questionnaires on psychological distress, burnout, resilience, job engagement, and psychological safety. Data were compared between groups, considering MTA frequency and well-being differences during MTAs versus workplace activities. Results. MTA participants scored higher in psychological well-being (t(117.282) = −1.721, p = 0.044) and general dysphoria (t(116.955) = −1.721, p = 0.042). Additionally, during MTAs, they showed greater job engagement (vigor: t(66) = −8.322, p < 0.001; devotion: t(66) = −4.500, p < 0.001; emotional involvement: t(66) = −8.322, p = 0.002) and psychological safety (general: t(66) = −5.819, p < 0.001; self-expression: t(66) = −5.609, p < 0.001) compared to other activities. Conclusions. MTAs can be considered a valid intervention for the promotion of the mental health of healthcare workers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCW) have increased the risk of occupational stress injuries and adverse mental health outcomes, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding HCW psychological distress patterns and help-seeking behaviors can inform responsive resource development that may mitigate negative outcomes in future crises. This paper provides insights on monthly trends in HCW distress and support utilization at a large Canadian hospital over a 14-month period. Methods: As part of a hospital-wide wellness initiative during COVID-19, the STEADY program emailed monthly confidential wellness assessments to hospital staff from April 2020 to May 2021. The assessments included screens for burnout, anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress, types of support accessed, and demographic information. Repeated cross-sectional data were summarized as monthly proportions and examined alongside longitudinal COVID-19 data. Results: A total of 2498 wellness assessments were submitted (M = ~168 monthly, range: 17–945). Overall, 67% of assessments had at least one positive screen for distress. Average positive screens were 44% for anxiety, 29% for depression, 31% for posttraumatic stress, and 53% for burnout. Despite high distress, most respondents used informal supports (e.g., family/friends), highlighting limited formal support use. Conclusions: HCWs experienced sustained high levels of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, with burnout remaining a predominant and persistent concern. The limited use of formal support services may indicate barriers to accessing these types of supports. Our findings underscore the need for accessible and acceptable mental health supports for HCW during prolonged crises. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coercive measures remain a common practice in mental health, despite ethical concerns, potential risks, and uncertain efficacy. Mental healthcare workers’ (MHCWs) attitudes toward coercion can influence their use. However, research in Italy is limited. This study aimed to investigate Italian MHCWs’ attitudes toward coercion and their associations with sociodemographic and professional characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 356 MHCWs from a mental health department in Southern Italy. Participants completed the Staff Attitude to Coercion Scale (SACS), which assesses negative, pragmatic, and positive attitudes toward coercion. Descriptive statistics (i.e., frequencies, percentages, means) and bivariate analyses (i.e., one-way ANOVA) were used to explore the associations between variables. Results: The majority of participants were male (56.7%), nurses (50.3%), and worked in acute psychiatric settings (52%), with a mean age of 51.08 years (±10.59) and 13.74 years (±12.14) of experience in mental health. Attitudes differed significantly according to age, sex, professional role, and work setting. More negative attitudes were found among staff in residential settings and non-caring roles (p < 0.001). Pragmatic attitudes were lower among older staff (p = 0.012) and among those in residential settings and non-caring roles (p < 0.001). Positive attitudes were higher among males (p = 0.001), nursing staff (p < 0.001), and staff in acute settings (p = 0.049). Conclusions: Italian MHCWs reported different attitudes toward coercion, which was influenced by personal and professional factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policy strategies to promote attitudinal change, particularly in settings where positive attitudes are prevalent. Full article

Background: Occupational burnout and fatigue are critical issues affecting the health and performance of healthcare workers (HCWs) globally. These outcomes are often driven by complex and overlapping work-related stressors, which remain insufficiently understood in combination. Objective: To investigate the associations of multiple work-related stressors with occupational burnout and fatigue, and to identify distinct stress patterns and critical stressors among HCWs. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered electronic questionnaire among 2695 HCWs in Shanghai, China. Validated questionnaire scales were used to assess work-related stress (self-developed occupational stress scale for medical staff, CSSM), occupational burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey, MBI-GS), and fatigue (Fatigue Scale-14, FS-14). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct work-related stress patterns. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to explore the associations between individual stressors, stress patterns, and occupational burnout and fatigue. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were utilized to evaluate the combined effects of multiple stressors and identify the main contributors. Results: In this study, 77.0% and 71.2% of participants were classified as experiencing occupational burnout and fatigue, respectively. A strained doctor–patient relationship was the highest-rated work-related stressor. All work-related stressors, including career development, interpersonal relationships, work–life imbalance, physical environment, doctor–patient relationship, social environment, and workload, were significantly associated with burnout (β: 0.444~0.956, p < 0.001) and fatigue (β: 1.384~3.404, p < 0.001). WQS assigned higher weights to career development and workload for burnout, and to workload and work–life imbalance for fatigue. LPA identified two distinct occupational stress patterns. HCWs characterized by higher stress levels in physical environment, career development, workload, and interpersonal relationships exhibited significantly higher burnout scores (β = 0.325, 95% CI: 0.122, 0.528), particularly in the reduced personal accomplishment (PA) dimension (β = 1.003, 95% CI: 0.746, 1.259). Conclusions: This study highlighted the high prevalence of occupational burnout and fatigue among HCWs in Shanghai, China. Occupational stressors were associated with both burnout and fatigue, with higher workload, work–life imbalance, and poorer career development showing particularly significant contributions. These findings emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions, including workload management, career development programs, and mental health support, to reduce occupational stress and mitigate its adverse effects on HCWs. Full article

Background: Spirituality has emerged as a potential protective factor that may promote mental well-being and resilience among healthcare workers. Aim: This study aims to examine the relationship between spirituality, stress, and depression among healthcare professionals in Greece. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 412 employees at the Corinth General Hospital in Greece, including medical, nursing, and administrative personnel. The data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being 12 (FACIT-SP12), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: The mean spirituality score was 34.6 (±6.83), while the stress and depression scores were 74.6 (±14.87) and 14.7 (±10.20), respectively. Spirituality was significantly and negatively correlated with both stress (r = −0.479, p < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.452, p < 0.001). Gender, years of service, educational level, and marital status were also associated with variations in stress, depression, and spirituality levels. Women and those with lower education reported significantly higher levels of stress and depression. Additionally, some demographic variables such as age and sector of employment did not show significant associations with spirituality or depression. The regression analysis confirmed spirituality as an independent predictor of lower stress levels (B = −1.158, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Spirituality is a significant predictor in mitigating stress and depression among healthcare workers. Promoting a supportive spiritual climate and incorporating elements of spiritual leadership in healthcare settings may enhance employee well-being and resilience. Future research should expand on these findings across diverse institutional and cultural contexts. Full article

Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a common outcome of severe COVID-19 infection; however, less is known about PCS following mild COVID-19. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more susceptible to acquiring COVID-19 and potentially suffering physical and psychological morbidity secondary to their role. We surveyed HCWs at four hospitals in northeast England at two timepoints during the pandemic, assessing physical and psychophysiological symptoms of PCS, alongside associated factors, whilst also testing for COVID-19 status by SARS-CoV-2 serology and reviewing evidence of infection from previous PCR nasopharyngeal swabs. Of the 379 participants at baseline and 250 HCWs recruited 18 months later, 46% and 64% (respectively) had evidence of previous COVID-19, with no significant associations between COVID-19 status or demographics and symptom scores or self-described PCS. Depression and fatigue were more common later in the pandemic. Furthermore, 20% self-described having PCS, 34% of whom had no evidence of previous COVID-19. Scores for fatigue, pain, mobility, anxiety, and depression were significantly worse in the PCS group compared to those without ongoing symptoms. Significant proportions of HCWs continued to suffer debilitating symptoms during the later pandemic period, although a significant minority had no evidence of previous COVID-19 infection, suggesting that other factors may be involved in their symptomatology. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic affected frontline workers’ mental health, including healthcare workers, firefighters, and police officers, increasing the need for effective interventions. This study focuses on the pandemic’s psychological impact, perceived stress, depression/anxiety symptoms, and resilience, examining if a brief virtual reality (VR)–based relaxation session could reduce psychological symptoms. Methods: In this preliminary study with data collected in 2025 from frontline workers who had served during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, 54 frontline workers completed a baseline assessment of the perceived psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic, general perceived well-being, perceived stress (PSS-4), anxiety/depression (PHQ-4) and resilience (RS-25). Each participant then engaged in a 10-min immersive VR relaxation session featuring a calming 360° nature environment with audio guidance, after which questionnaires were re-administered. Paired samples t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA evaluated pre-/post-session differences, and a hierarchical multiple linear regression model tested predictors of the change in stress. Results: Pre-session results showed moderate perceived stress and resilience and low depression/anxiety. Occupation groups varied in baseline stress, mostly reporting negative pandemic psychological effects. After VR, significantly perceived well-being increased, and stress decreased, whereas depression/anxiety changes were nonsignificant. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a main effect of time on stress (p = 0.003) without occupation-by-time interaction (p = 0.246), indicating all occupational groups benefited similarly from the VR session. Hierarchical regression indicated baseline depression and higher perceived pandemic-related harm independently predicted greater stress reduction, whereas resilience and baseline anxiety showed no statistically significant results. Conclusions: A single VR relaxation session lowered perceived stress among frontline workers, particularly those reporting higher baseline depression or pandemic-related burden. Limitations include the absence of a control group. Results support VR-based interventions as feasible, rapidly deployable tools for high-stress settings. Future research should assess longer-term outcomes, compare VR to alternative interventions, and consider multi-session protocols. Full article

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs), commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety, are increasingly used in Spain, raising concerns due to their potential for abuse and dependence. This study investigates the use of BZDs and other psychotropic medications among healthcare workers, exploring their prevalence, associated factors, and their relationship with mental health issues following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among healthcare workers at the Salamanca University Healthcare Complex (CAUSA) from March 2023 to January 2024. Of 1121 participants, 685 provided complete responses, which were analysed. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Results: Of the respondents, 23.8% reported using sleep medication, with 27.8% doing so without a prescription. Additionally, 14.7% used medication for depression or anxiety, with only 0.6% without a prescription. Hypnotic medicine use was associated with older age, insomnia, anxiety, depression, psychological or psychiatric treatment, COVID-19 after-effects, and diagnosed sleep disorders. Night-shift work was associated with increased hypnotic medication use in men but not in women. The use of these medications was linked to a reduced quality of life and impaired work performance. Conclusions: The use of BZD and self-medication are prevalent among healthcare professionals, exceeding the rates observed in the general population. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address psychotropic medication use, promote other pharmacological and non-pharmacological alternatives for insomnia, and enhance mental health support for this vulnerable population. Full article

Background: Physical and mental health issues are increasingly becoming a global focus of attention, and telemedicine is widely attracting academic interest. Objectives: This exploratory study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of immersive virtual blue spaces for individuals with distinct lifestyle backgrounds—specifically, office workers and retirees. The research explores how different virtual waterscapes influence emotional and physiological states in populations with varying stress profiles and life rhythms. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative measurements with qualitative interviews. In September 2023, forty participants (20 office workers and 20 retirees) from Hualien, Taiwan, were exposed to 360° VR simulations of three blue environments: a forest stream, a forest waterfall, and a beach scene. Pre- and post-session assessments included physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and emotional states measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. Results: Significant physiological relaxation was observed among retirees. Office workers demonstrated greater emotional improvements, with noticeable variation depending on the type of virtual environment. Comparative analysis highlighted the stream landscape’s unique benefit for reducing depression and enhancing positive mood states. Thematic findings from post-session interviews further indicated that emotional responses were moderated by individual background and prior emotional experiences. Conclusions: These findings underscore the short-term therapeutic potential of virtual blue spaces for diverse user groups and reveal the influence of personal context on their effectiveness. The study supports the integration of VR-based nature exposure into personalized digital healthcare interventions and offers a foundation for future development in immersive therapeutic technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although self-compassion practice has been increasingly popular in the literature in recent years, the area of social work knows very little about it. To be self-compassionate is to treat oneself with love and respect. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between social workers’ professional quality of life (compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout) and self-compassion. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of 177 social workers in primary healthcare (PHC) in Greece. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5), and the participants’ personal, demographic, and professional information were all included in an electronic questionnaire that they had to fill out. Results: This study’s findings show that, although 43.2% of participants exhibited high levels of self-compassion, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were at low-to-moderate levels among the participants. Apart from the secondary traumatic stress and humanity dimensions, both the dimensions and the overall self-compassion scale showed a strong relationship with the aspects of professional quality of life. Burnout and secondary traumatic stress were significantly reduced, and compassion fulfilment were increased in environments that were supportive, socially supportive, work-related, hobby-filled, and religious. Conclusions: The integration of self-compassion into a comprehensive and methodical approach to employee wellness has the potential to enhance the physical and mental health of workers in healthcare environments. Full article

Public safety personnel and frontline healthcare professionals are at increased risk of exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) and developing post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs, e.g., depression, anxiety) by the nature of their work. PTSI is also connected to increased absenteeism, suicidality, and performance decrements, which compromise occupational and public health and safety in trauma-exposed workers. There is limited evidence on the cost effectiveness of proactive “prevention” programs aimed at reducing the risk of PTSIs. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to measure the economic effectiveness of proactive PTSI mitigation programs among occupational groups exposed to frequent occupational PPTEs, focusing on the outcomes related to PTSI symptoms, absenteeism, and psychological wellness. Findings from 15 included studies demonstrate that proactive interventions can yield substantial economic and health benefits, with Return On Investment (ROI) values ranging widely from −20% to 3560%. Shorter interventions (≤6 months) often produced higher returns, while longer interventions (>12 months) showed more moderate or negative returns. Notably, the level at which an intervention is targeted significantly affects outcomes—programs aimed at managers, such as the 4 h RESPECT training course, demonstrated a high ROI and broad organizational impact by enhancing leadership support for employee mental health. Sensitivity analyses highlighted significant variability based on the organizational context, program design, and participant characteristics. The majority of proactive interventions successfully reduced psychological distress and enhanced workplace outcomes, although thoughtful consideration of program design and implementation context is essential. Full article

This sought seeks to find and examine the main stress factors and psychosocial settings that affect ambulance staff, looking at the larger problem of how these stressors impact their mental well-being and work satisfaction. The research collected data from a field survey that identified and assessed stress factors, as well as qualitative insights from interviews that examined staff perceptions of complex work conditions in emergency services. Important findings show that high-stress situations, like dealing with traumatic events, long hours, and insufficient support, are linked to higher anxiety and burnout in ambulance workers. Moreover, the study points out important features of the work environment, such as workplace relationships and organizational culture, that can either reduce or increase stress. These findings are important, as they could guide healthcare policies that seek to improve the well-being of emergency service workers, which is crucial for maintaining a strong and effective workforce in pre-hospital care. By stressing the urgent need for effective approaches and supportive work structures, this research can have wider implications for healthcare, indicating that tackling the psychosocial issues faced by ambulance staff is crucial not just for their own well-being but also for the overall quality of emergency medical services. Full article