School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
School of Social Work & Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Health Soc Care Community. 2022 Nov;30(6):e6656-e6673. doi: 10.1111/hsc.13992. Epub 2022 Sep 6.
A growing body of research has highlighted the adverse impact of COVID-19 stressors on health and social care workers' (HSCWs) mental health. Complementing this work, we report on the psychosocial factors that have had both a positive and negative impact on the mental well-being of HSCWs during the third lockdown period in Scotland. Using a cross-sectional design, participants (n = 1364) completed an online survey providing quantitative data and free open-text responses. A multi-method approach to analysis was used. The majority of HSCWs were found to have low well-being scores, high levels of COVID-19 stress, worry, burnout and risk perception scores and almost half of HSCWs met the clinical cut-off for acute stress (indicative of PTSD). HSCWs with higher scores on adaptive coping strategies and team resilience reported higher scores on mental well-being. HSCWs were significantly more likely to seek informal support for dealing with personal or emotional problems compared to formal supports. Barriers to formal help-seeking were identified including stigma and fear of the consequences of disclosure. HSCWs mostly valued peer support, workplace supports, visible leadership and teamwork in maintaining their mental well-being. Our findings illuminate the complexity of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HSCWs' well-being and will inform future intervention development seeking to increase positive adaptation and improve staff well-being. Addressing barriers to mental health help-seeking among HSCWs is essential. The implications emphasise the importance of lessons learned across health and social care contexts, planning and preparedness for future pandemics.
越来越多的研究强调了 COVID-19 压力源对卫生保健工作者（HSCWs）心理健康的不利影响。作为这项工作的补充，我们报告了在苏格兰第三次封锁期间，对 HSCWs 心理健康产生积极和消极影响的社会心理因素。我们采用横断面设计，让参与者（n=1364）完成在线调查，提供定量数据和自由开放文本回复。我们采用了一种多方法的分析方法。结果发现，大多数 HSCWs 的幸福感得分较低，COVID-19 压力、担忧、倦怠和风险感知得分较高，近一半的 HSCWs 达到了急性应激的临床临界值（表明 PTSD）。采用适应性应对策略和团队恢复力得分较高的 HSCWs 报告的心理健康得分较高。与正式支持相比，HSCWs 更有可能寻求非正式支持来处理个人或情绪问题。确定了寻求正式帮助的障碍，包括耻辱感和对披露后果的恐惧。HSCWs 最看重同事支持、工作场所支持、可见的领导力和团队合作，以维持他们的心理健康。我们的研究结果阐明了 COVID-19 大流行对 HSCWs 幸福感的复杂影响，并将为未来旨在增加积极适应和改善员工福祉的干预措施的发展提供信息。解决 HSCWs 心理健康求助的障碍至关重要。这一结果强调了在卫生和社会保健背景下吸取经验教训、为未来的大流行做好规划和准备的重要性。
