Jones Sara, Nagel Corey, McSweeney Jean, Curran Geoffrey
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Nursing, 4301 W. Markham St. Slot 529, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Nursing, 4301 W. Markham St. Slot 529, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2018 Dec;32(6):828-835. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.06.007. Epub 2018 Jun 7.
First responders (FRs) respond to critical incidents as an expectation of their profession, and after years of service, exposure to trauma can accumulate and potentially lead to mental health problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A gap persists in the research regarding duty-related risk factors and prevalence of mental health problems among FRs. Guided by existing evidence and in partnerships with the state's FR community, this study assessed the mental health needs of FRs, risk factors that may contribute to these problems, and the associations therein. A convenience sample of firefighters and emergency medical technicians/paramedics (n = 220) were recruited from across Arkansas to complete an online survey. This survey incorporated brief assessment tools to measure various mental health problems, and captured other data regarding possible risk factors. Results found that 14% reported moderate-severe and severe depressive symptoms, 28% reported moderate-severe and severe anxiety symptoms, 26% reported significant symptoms of PTSD, 31% reported harmful/hazardous alcohol use and dependence, 93% reported significant sleep disturbances, and 34% indicated high risk for suicide. Significant group differences were found across measures and gender (female), shift-structure (48 h or more), department setting (rural), relationship status (non-partnered), and having a medical history of hypertension. These findings pose significant implications for mental healthcare providers, as well as other healthcare providers and FR organizations. Findings will guide future research that will address the need for changes in decision-making, funding, and policy regarding FRs' MH and MH services available to them.
急救人员作为其职业要求应对重大事件，经过多年服务后，接触创伤的情况可能会累积，并有可能导致心理健康问题，如创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）。关于急救人员与工作相关的风险因素和心理健康问题患病率的研究仍存在空白。在现有证据的指导下，并与该州的急救人员群体合作，本研究评估了急救人员的心理健康需求、可能导致这些问题的风险因素以及其中的关联。从阿肯色州各地招募了一个由消防员和紧急医疗技术人员/护理人员组成的便利样本（n = 220），以完成一项在线调查。该调查采用了简短的评估工具来测量各种心理健康问题，并收集了有关可能风险因素的其他数据。结果发现，14%的人报告有中度 - 重度和重度抑郁症状，28%的人报告有中度 - 重度和重度焦虑症状，26%的人报告有明显的创伤后应激障碍症状，31%的人报告有有害/危险的酒精使用和依赖，93%的人报告有明显的睡眠障碍，34%的人表示有高自杀风险。在各项测量指标以及性别（女性）、轮班结构（48小时或更长时间）、部门设置（农村）、恋爱状况（非伴侣关系）和有高血压病史等方面发现了显著的群体差异。这些发现对心理健康护理提供者以及其他医疗保健提供者和急救人员组织具有重要意义。研究结果将指导未来的研究，这些研究将解决在急救人员心理健康及他们可获得的心理健康服务方面决策、资金和政策变革的需求。
