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McFadden D, Davidson G, Butler M. Social support and trauma experiences of imprisoned men in Northern Ireland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2024; 95:102005. [PMID: 38964262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2024.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social Support has multiple benefits for health and mental wellbeing. Its existence, and the extent to which it can be beneficial, is dependent upon the context in which it is provided, and the recipients' view of it. Social support has long been established as a 'buffer' to the negative impact of stressful life experiences. Trauma can negatively impact upon social support, reducing the extent of social networks and ability of some trauma experienced individuals to sustain extensive social support networks. However, some trauma experiences can also strengthen social relationships. Imprisoned men are disproportionately likely to have experienced a traumatic event when compared with the general population. Past research has found that traumatic events can lead to a decrease in social support among imprisoned men but more research is needed to understand the variations in perceived social support experienced by imprisoned men and to determine how different types of trauma may be related to perceived social support. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of 384 adult men detained in the Northern Ireland Prison Service was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023. The survey collected data on the men's demographics, mental health, substance use, and criminal history. Respondents were also asked to complete a Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ) and the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Regression analysis was then used to investigate the possible associations between individual characteristics, different types of trauma experiences and perceived social support. RESULTS Most types of trauma experiences were not associated with lower levels of perceived social support. Only those who had experienced crime related trauma were more likely to report lower levels of social support. Older imprisoned men and those using substances were more likely to report lower levels of perceived social support, while those who had served a sentence of less than one year reported higher levels of perceived social support. DISCUSSION Crime related trauma experiences were found to be associated with lower levels of perceived social support. There were no significant findings around perceived social support and any of the other trauma types i.e. physical, sexual and general disaster experiences. Trauma informed policy responses should be cognisant of this, as those with experiences of crime related victimisation are less likely to have the social support needed to buffer against future trauma experiences. The findings demonstrate that some individuals experience lower levels of perceived social support and several factors are associated with this including age, time served and substance use history. This will potentially impact upon them during release and affect their reintegration into society. Specific policies aimed at these groups should be considered to prevent them from experiencing a lack of support and any accompanying adversity upon release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel McFadden
- School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, 6. College Park, Queen's University Belfast, UK.
| | - Gavin Davidson
- School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, 6. College Park, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Michelle Butler
- School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, 6. College Park, Queen's University Belfast, UK
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Ghafoori B, Triliva S, Chrysikopoulou P, Vavvos A. Resilience, Coping Self-Efficacy, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Healthcare Workers Who Work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Greece. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:509. [PMID: 38920841 PMCID: PMC11200621 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, health care workers (HCWs) may be at risk of developing posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms or probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined probable PTSD, coping, and resilience among national HCWs working in Greece. A total of 17.9% of the sample of participants (N = 112) met the screening criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess if trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE) and resilience predicted probable PTSD, and the results indicated that lower trauma CSE significantly predicted probable PTSD in unadjusted models (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96, p < 0.01) and adjusted models (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.83, 0.97, p < 0.01). Our study findings suggest that organizations that employ HCWs may support their workers through ongoing screening, assessment, and training that enhances coping self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Ghafoori
- Department of Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling, California State University Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840-2201, USA
| | - Sofia Triliva
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Gallos Campus, 74150 Rethymno, Greece; (S.T.); (P.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Panagiota Chrysikopoulou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Gallos Campus, 74150 Rethymno, Greece; (S.T.); (P.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Andreas Vavvos
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Gallos Campus, 74150 Rethymno, Greece; (S.T.); (P.C.); (A.V.)
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Brennan CJ, Roberts C, Cole JC. Prevalence of occupational moral injury and post-traumatic embitterment disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e071776. [PMID: 38382965 PMCID: PMC10882372 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational moral injury and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) describe the psychological distress caused by exposure to injustice at work. This meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of occupational moral injury and PTED and establish whether prevalence estimates differ depending on occupation. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Google Scholar, PubMed, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Sage Journals Online were searched in June 2020 and updated in November 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Observational studies that measured prevalence or average scores of moral injury, or PTED in any occupational group and any geographical location. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened and coded eligible studies. Study design, participant demographics, sampling method, location, measurement tool and prevalence or average scores were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. Results that could not be combined were summarised qualitatively in a narrative synthesis using the Guidance for Systematic Reviews. RESULTS In total, 88 studies across armed forces and veterans, healthcare, first responders, educators, journalists, child protection service employees, the unemployed, public-sector employees and mixed occupations were included. Studies included in each separate meta-analysis based on the measure used ranged from 2 to 30. The pooled prevalence of clinically relevant moral injury in healthcare professionals was 45%, and exposure to any potentially morally injurious event (PMIE) across occupations was 67%. Exposure to transgressions by others and betrayal was significantly lower in the armed forces than civilian occupations. Pooled prevalence of PTED across occupations was 26%. CONCLUSION Exposure to PMIEs, moral injury symptoms and PTED are prevalent at work and exposure to transgressions by others and betrayal are more likely in civilian occupations than the armed forces. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020191766.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl Roberts
- Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jon C Cole
- Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Hovland IS, Skogstad L, Stafseth S, Hem E, Diep LM, Ræder J, Ekeberg Ø, Lie I. Prevalence of psychological distress in nurses, physicians and leaders working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national one-year follow-up study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075190. [PMID: 38135308 PMCID: PMC10897841 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report and compare psychological distress as symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress among intensive care units' (ICU) nurses, physicians and leaders at 12 months after the baseline survey (spring 2020), during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. Furthermore, to analyse which baseline demographic and COVID ICU-related factors have a significant impact on psychological distress at 12 months. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study. SETTING Nationwide, 27 of 28 hospitals with COVID ICUs in Norway. PARTICIPANTS Nurses, physicians and their leaders. At 12 month follow-up 287 (59.3%) of 484 baseline participants responded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-10 (HSCL-10). Symptoms of post-traumatic stress using the post-traumatic stress disease checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (PCL-5).Demographics (included previous symptoms of anxiety and depression) and COVID ICU-related factors (professional preparations, emotional experience and support) impacting distress at 12 months. RESULTS Psychological distress, defined as caseness on either or both HSCL-10 and PCL-5, did not change significantly and was present for 13.6% of the participants at baseline and 13.2% at 12 month follow-up. Nurses reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress than physicians and leaders. Adjusted for demographics and the COVID ICU-related factors at baseline, previous symptoms of depression and fear of infection were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression at 12 months. Previous symptoms of depression, fear of infection and feeling of loneliness was significantly associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress. CONCLUSION One year into the COVID-19 pandemic 13.2% of the ICUs professionals reported psychological distress, more frequently among the nurses. Fear of infection, loneliness and previous symptoms of depression reported at baseline were associated with higher levels of distress. Protective equipment and peer support are recommended to mitigate distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04372056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Strand Hovland
- Department of Acute Medicine, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of the Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laila Skogstad
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Siv Stafseth
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of MEVU, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend Hem
- Department of the Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institue of Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lien M Diep
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Ræder
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intitute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Ekeberg
- Psychosomatic and CL psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Irene Lie
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Sciences in Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
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Stileman HM, Jones CA. Revisiting the debriefing debate: does psychological debriefing reduce PTSD symptomology following work-related trauma? A meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1248924. [PMID: 38204890 PMCID: PMC10779682 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1248924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychological debriefing is an early post-trauma intervention which aims to prevent the development of PTSD and accelerate normal recovery through discussing, validating, and normalising group members responses to trauma. While originally designed in the 1980s for groups of emergency service personnel, the scope of psychological debriefing extended to individual primary victims of trauma. A Cochrane review in 2002 concluded that psychological debriefing was ineffective, yet some authors have argued that many of the studies that informed the Cochrane review did not adhere to key elements of psychological debriefing. This meta-analysis sought to re-examine the effectiveness of psychological debriefing in preventing or reducing PTSD symptoms following work-related trauma. Appropriate studies were selected from three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO). Inclusion criteria was intentionally broad so that features of psychological debriefing that may determine its effectiveness could be explored through a series of subgroup analyses. The overall synthesis did not find consistent evidence that psychological debriefing helps to prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms following work-related trauma. Shortcomings in the methodology and reporting of many of the studies meant that several important subgroup analyses could not be conducted. Further well-designed studies in this field are warranted to ensure that employees exposed to potentially traumatic events receive the effective support they need and deserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry M. Stileman
- Centre of Applied Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A. Jones
- Centre of Applied Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Edgelow M, Legassick K, Novecosky J, Fecica A. Return to Work Experiences of Ontario Public Safety Personnel with Work-Related Psychological Injuries. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:796-807. [PMID: 37022655 PMCID: PMC10077313 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Public safety personnel (PSP) perform work that puts them at greater risk of psychological injury than the general public. PSP who subsequently develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions may need to take time off of work and use the workers compensation system. Very little is known about the experiences of PSP making this type of claim in Ontario to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), or which healthcare professionals (HCP) PSP access as part of the treatment and return to work (RTW) process. This study captures the experiences of Ontario PSP in their RTW journeys, including with employers, WSIB, and HCPs. METHODS A survey-based study was conducted, using email and social media platforms to distribute the survey to PSP across Ontario. Quantitative data were summarized using means and frequencies, and open text results were analyzed using qualitative framework analysis. RESULTS 145 survey respondents met the inclusion criteria for the study. On a scale out of 5, PSP rated their experience with WSIB and employer support as poor on their first RTW attempt with an average rating of 2.93 and 2.46 respectively. The top three HCPs accessed by PSP were psychologists (61%), occupational therapists (OT; 60%) and general practitioners (GP; 44%). Respondents identified the cultural competence of HCPs in understanding their work demands and work culture as very important. CONCLUSIONS To improve RTW experiences for PSP who make a workers compensation claim for a psychological injury, an increase in HCP cultural competence related to PSP work is indicated, as well as improved RTW processes and workplace support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Edgelow
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Kathleen Legassick
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Jessica Novecosky
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Agnieszka Fecica
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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Contractor AA, Messman B, Gould P, Slavish DC, Weiss NH. Impacts of repeated retrieval of positive and neutral memories on posttrauma health: An investigative pilot study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101887. [PMID: 37343425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence indicates that positive memory processes play a role in the etiology and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and related posttrauma health indicators. To extend this research, the current pilot study examined if repeated retrieval of positive vs. neutral memories was associated with (1) less PTSS and depression severity; and (2) improved affect and cognitions (fewer posttrauma cognitions, more positively-valenced affect, less negatively-valenced affect, less negative affect interference, less anhedonia, retrieval of more positive specific memories, retrieval of fewer negative specific memories). METHODS Twenty-five trauma-exposed participants were randomly assigned to a positive or neutral memory task condition. They participated in four weekly experimental sessions facilitated by an experimenter virtually; each consecutive session was separated by 6-8 days. We conducted mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs to examine study hypotheses. RESULTS No interaction effects were significant. There were significant main effects of time on PTSS and depression severity, posttrauma cognitions, positively-valenced and negatively-valenced affect, and negative affect interference. LIMITATIONS We used self-report measures, small and non-clinical sample with limited demographic diversity, and virtual format; did not record memory narratives; and did not have a trauma memory condition. CONCLUSIONS Based on pilot data, our findings suggest that individuals who retrieve positive or neutral memories repeatedly may report less PTSS and depression severity, fewer posttrauma cognitions, and improved affect. Results provide an impetus to examine impacts of and mechanisms underlying memory interventions (beyond a sole focus on negatively-valenced memories) in trauma work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett Messman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Preston Gould
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Danica C Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, RI, USA
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Halsall L, Irizar P, Burton S, Waring S, Giles S, Goodwin L, Jones A. Hazardous, harmful, and dependent alcohol use in healthcare professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1304468. [PMID: 38089041 PMCID: PMC10715281 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1304468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare professionals work in high-pressured and demanding environments, which has been linked to the use of alcohol as a coping strategy. This international review aimed (i) to determine the pooled prevalence of hazardous, harmful, dependent, and frequent binge drinking in healthcare professionals, and (ii) to explore factors associated with variation in these outcomes. Methods Scopus, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched from 2003 to 17th November 2022, for studies reporting a prevalence estimate for any outcome among healthcare professionals. Random-effects meta-analyses determined pooled prevalence estimates. Sub-group analyses were conducted, stratifying the meta-analyses by pandemic period vs pre-pandemic period. Meta-regressions explored factors that were associated with variation in the outcomes. PROSPERO (CRD42020173119). Results After screening 9,108 records, 64 studies were identified as eligible. The pooled prevalence was 19.98% [95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 16.05-24.23%] for hazardous alcohol use (K = 52), 3.17% [95% CI: 0.95-6.58%] for harmful drinking (K = 8), 14.59% [95% CI: 7.16-25.05%] for dependent drinking (K = 7), and 17.71% [95% CI: 8.34-29.63%] for frequent binge drinking (K = 11). The prevalence of hazardous drinking was greater during the pandemic (28.19%) compared with pre-pandemic estimates (17.95%), though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.049). Studies including all hospital staff (32.04%) showed higher prevalence estimates for hazardous drinking compared with studies of doctors (16.78%) and nurses (27.02%). Conclusion Approximately one fifth of healthcare professionals drink to hazardous levels, with higher prevalence estimates observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be that healthcare professionals used alcohol to cope with the additional trauma and stressors. Further research is needed to investigate whether this is sustained in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Halsall
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Irizar
- Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Burton
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Waring
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Giles
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Jones
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Serrano-Ibáñez ER, Corrás T, Del Prado M, Diz J, Varela C. Psychological Variables Associated With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Firefighters: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2049-2066. [PMID: 35521996 PMCID: PMC10486174 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221082944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are repeatedly exposed to work-related potential traumatic events and have an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the mechanisms implicated in this relationship are not clear. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk and protective factors related to the development of PTSD in firefighters. According to PRISMA, a systematic review of scientific literature was conducted in Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) was used as the methodological quality indicator of the selected articles (PROSPERO reference CRD42020213009). Prognostic studies involving active firefighters with presence of post-traumatic symptomatology, presenting original findings, and written in Spanish or English were included. A total of 1768 potentially eligible articles were identified. According to the inclusion criteria, 87 articles were selected to evaluate the full text. Finally, 19 articles were included, comprising 12,298 active firefighters. There is high heterogeneity in the variables evaluated in the different studies. Taking the data for which this review has found more evidence (moderate support), operational stress, job duration, burnout, expressive suppression and rumination could be risk factors of PTSD, and belongingness and dispositional mindfulness could be protective factors. Other variables with weak support (e.g. resilience) were analysed. This review analyses the available literature, highlighting its scarcity for future research on the subject. Due to repeated trauma exposure, it is important to continue investigations and bear these variables in mind for the prevention of PTSD in firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tania Corrás
- Área de Psicología, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, España
| | | | - Javier Diz
- Área de Psicología, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, España
| | - Carmen Varela
- Área de Psicología, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, España
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Fredin-Knutzén J, Olsson N, Rosberg T, Thorslund B, Lidestam B. Train Drivers' Work Related Stress and Job Satisfaction. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:775-782. [PMID: 37311076 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated which work-related stressors are rated highest by train drivers and which are strongest correlated with consideration to change profession. METHODS In a questionnaire, a total of 251 Swedish train drivers rated 17 work-related stressors, to which extent they had considered quitting their profession, and if they had experienced a PUT (person under train) accident. RESULTS PUTs (when experienced) and irregular work hours are the main stressors, but the strongest predictors of consideration to change profession are those that are encountered often, and last over time (eg, irregular work hours, r = 0.61, and major organizational changes, r = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS For effective reduction of stress and improved job satisfaction, focus should be on aspects that affect everyday life for drivers, such as better working shifts, less delays, and improved social climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Fredin-Knutzén
- From the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (J.F.-K.); Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden (N.O.); VTI (The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute), Linköping, Sweden (N.O., T.R., B.L.); and Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden (B.T.)
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Andrews KL, Jamshidi L, Nisbet J, Brunet A, Afifi TO, Asmundson GJ, Fletcher AJ, Maguire KQ, Teckchandani TA, Lix L, Sauer-Zavala S, Sareen J, Keane TM, Patrick Neary J, Nicholas Carleton R. Potentially Psychologically Traumatic Event Exposure Histories of new Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cadets. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:663-681. [PMID: 36740849 PMCID: PMC10585132 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221149467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) report extremely frequent and varied exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). While occupational exposures to PPTEs may be one explanation for the symptoms of mental disorders prevalent among serving RCMP, exposures occurring prior to service may also play a role. The objective of the current study was to provide estimates of lifetime PPTE exposures among RCMP cadets in training and assess for associations with mental disorders or sociodemographic variables. METHODS RCMP cadets (n = 772; 72.0% male) beginning the Cadet Training Program (CTP) completed a survey assessing self-reported PPTE exposures as measured by the Life Events Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition-Extended. Binomial tests were conducted to compare the current results to previously collected data from the general population, a diverse sample of public safety personnel (PSP) and serving RCMP. RESULTS Cadets reported statistically significantly fewer PPTE exposures for all PPTE types than serving RCMP (all p's < 0.001) and PSP (all p's < 0.001) but more PPTE exposures for all PPTE types than the general population (all p's < 0.001). Cadets also endorsed fewer PPTE types (6.00 ± 4.47) than serving RCMP (11.64 ± 3.40; p < 0.001) and other PSP (11.08 ± 3.23) but more types than the general population (2.31 ± 2.33; p < 0.001). Participants who reported being exposed to any PPTE type reported the exposures occurred 1-5 times (29.1% of participants), 6-10 times (18.3%) or 10 + times (43.1%) before starting the CTP. Several PPTE types were associated with positive screens for one or more mental disorders. There were associations between PPTE types and increased odds of screening positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) (all p's < 0.05). Serious transport accident (11.1%), physical assault (9.5%) and sudden accidental death (8.4%) were the PPTEs most identified as the worst event, and all were associated with positive screens for one or more mental disorders. CONCLUSION The current results provide the first information describing PPTE histories of cadets, evidencing exposure frequencies and types much higher than the general population. PPTE exposures may have contributed to the cadet's vocational choices. The current results support the growing evidence that PPTEs can be associated with diverse mental disorders; however, the results also suggest cadets may be uncommonly resilient, based on how few screened positive for mental disorders, despite reporting higher frequencies of PPTE exposures prior to CTP than the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Andrews
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Laleh Jamshidi
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Jolan Nisbet
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Alain Brunet
- McGill’s Psychiatry Department, Douglas Institute Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tracie O. Afifi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gordon J.G. Asmundson
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Amber J. Fletcher
- Department of Sociology and Social Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Kirby Q. Maguire
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | | | - Lisa Lix
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shannon Sauer-Zavala
- Treatment Innovation for Psychological Services Research Program, Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Terence M. Keane
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System & Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J. Patrick Neary
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - R. Nicholas Carleton
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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Yazdi F, Chaboksavar F, Malekzadeh R, Ziapour A, Yoosefi Lebni J, Janjani P, Hamidipour N, Fard Azar AAE, Darabi F, Garosi VH, Kianipour N. Role of demographic variables in investigating occupational stress of disaster and emergency medical management center. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:289. [PMID: 37849883 PMCID: PMC10578552 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1300_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency medical services face stressful environments such as departments dealing with injuries and sick patients that pose challenging situations for the healthcare staff. This present study investigates the role of demographic variables in investigating occupational stress of disaster and emergency medical management center in 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS This present descriptive study selected a sample size of 200 medical personnel associated with disaster and emergency medical management center in Iran, according to the inclusion chosen criteria. The study used a tool consisting of two parts, including demographic information and a job stress Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standard questionnaire. The study selected respondents through Cochran's sample size formula using stratified random sampling with a cross-sectional research design for data collection. This present study has analyzed received data using performed the descriptive and inferential information (t-test and one-way ANOVA) at a significance level P < 0.05. The participants of the survey were males only. RESULTS The study results specified that the mean age of respondents was 30.14 ± 5.96. The study results exhibited that the mean score of total occupational stress was 3.41 ± 0.26. The results showed the highest (4.34 ± 0.35) and the lowest (2.72 ± 0.86) stress levels were related to role dimensions. CONCLUSIONS The study findings revealed a significant relationship between stress level and participants' age, marital status, educational level, type of base, workplace, and the number of work hours per month. Emergency medical personnel experience a high level of occupational stress. Senior managers can use similar studies to implement measures to reduce the experience of employees' stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Yazdi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Fakhreddin Chaboksavar
- Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, I.R. Iran
| | - Roya Malekzadeh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Arash Ziapour
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Imam-Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Javad Yoosefi Lebni
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Parisa Janjani
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Imam-Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nasim Hamidipour
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Darabi
- Department of Public Health, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
| | - Vahid Hatami Garosi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Imam-Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Neda Kianipour
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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13
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Portillo-Van Diest A, Vilagut G, Alayo I, Ferrer M, Amigo F, Amann BL, Aragón-Peña A, Aragonès E, Asúnsolo Del Barco Á, Campos M, Del Cura-González I, Espuga M, González-Pinto A, Haro JM, Larrauri A, López-Fresneña N, Martínez de Salázar A, Molina JD, Ortí-Lucas RM, Parellada M, Pelayo-Terán JM, Pérez-Zapata A, Pijoan JI, Plana N, Puig T, Rius C, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Sanz F, Serra C, Urreta-Barallobre I, Kessler RC, Bruffaerts R, Vieta E, Pérez-Solá V, Alonso J, Mortier P. Traumatic stress symptoms among Spanish healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective study. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2023; 32:e50. [PMID: 37555258 PMCID: PMC10465320 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796023000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the occurrence of traumatic stress symptoms (TSS) among healthcare workers active during the COVID-19 pandemic and to obtain insight as to which pandemic-related stressful experiences are associated with onset and persistence of traumatic stress. METHODS This is a multicenter prospective cohort study. Spanish healthcare workers (N = 4,809) participated at an initial assessment (i.e., just after the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic) and at a 4-month follow-up assessment using web-based surveys. Logistic regression investigated associations of 19 pandemic-related stressful experiences across four domains (infection-related, work-related, health-related and financial) with TSS prevalence, incidence and persistence, including simulations of population attributable risk proportions (PARP). RESULTS Thirty-day TSS prevalence at T1 was 22.1%. Four-month incidence and persistence were 11.6% and 54.2%, respectively. Auxiliary nurses had highest rates of TSS prevalence (35.1%) and incidence (16.1%). All 19 pandemic-related stressful experiences under study were associated with TSS prevalence or incidence, especially experiences from the domains of health-related (PARP range 88.4-95.6%) and work-related stressful experiences (PARP range 76.8-86.5%). Nine stressful experiences were also associated with TSS persistence, of which having patient(s) in care who died from COVID-19 had the strongest association. This association remained significant after adjusting for co-occurring depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS TSSs among Spanish healthcare workers active during the COVID-19 pandemic are common and associated with various pandemic-related stressful experiences. Future research should investigate if these stressful experiences represent truly traumatic experiences and carry risk for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Portillo-Van Diest
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Vilagut
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Itxaso Alayo
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Asociación instituto de investigación en sistemas de salud Biosistemak, Barakaldo, País Vasco, España
| | - Montse Ferrer
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Franco Amigo
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benedikt L. Amann
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centre Fórum Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Andrés Aragón-Peña
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Ministry of Health, Community of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Investigación e Innovación Biosanitaria de AP, Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enric Aragonès
- Department of Atenció Primària Camp de Tarragona, Institut d’Investigació en Atenció Primària IDIAP Jordi Gol, Barcelona, Spain
- Atenció Primària Camp de Tarragona, Institut Català de la Salut, Spain
| | - Ángel Asúnsolo Del Barco
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mireia Campos
- Service of Prevention of Labor Risks, Medical Emergencies System, Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain
| | - Isabel Del Cura-González
- Fundación Investigación e Innovación Biosanitaria de AP, Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Research Unit, Primary Care Management, Madrid Health Service, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Specialities and Public Health, King Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell Espuga
- Occupational Health Service, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- BIOARABA, UPV-EHU, Hospital Universitario Araba-Santiago, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Josep M. Haro
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Department Facultat de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amparo Larrauri
- National Center of Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nieves López-Fresneña
- Department Medicina Preventiva, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan D. Molina
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Villaverde Mental Health Center, Clinical Management Area of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Psychiatric Service, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael M. Ortí-Lucas
- Department of Preventive MedicineDepartment, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department Medicina Preventiva, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Pelayo-Terán
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital el Bierzo, Gerencia de Asistencia Sanitaria del Bierzo (GASBI), Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y Leon (SACYL), Ponferrada, León, Spain
- Area de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Aurora Pérez-Zapata
- Department Servicio de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - José I. Pijoan
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Cruces/OSI EEC, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Nieves Plana
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department Servicio de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Puig
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Preventive Medicine and Public HealthDepartment, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Rius
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- National Center of Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferran Sanz
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Progamme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto Nacional de Bioinformatica – ELIXIR-ES (IMPaCT-Data-ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Consol Serra
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Parc de Salut Mar PSMAR, Barcelona, Spain
- CiSAL-Centro de Investigación en Salud Laboral, IMIM/UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iratxe Urreta-Barallobre
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Donostialdea Integrated Health Organisation, Donostia University Hospital, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, San Sebastián, Spain
- Clinical Epidemiology, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- Center for Public Health Psychiatry, Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eduard Vieta
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Clínic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez-Solá
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Preventive Medicine and Public HealthDepartment, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Parc de Salut Mar PSMAR, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Alonso
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Mortier
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Blomberg K, Hugelius K. Health and well-being after being deployed in a major incident; how do Swedish ambulance nurses perceive their health recover process? A qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071848. [PMID: 37407063 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore health problems and the recovery process after being deployed in a major incident. DESIGN Qualitative, explorative design. SETTING Ambulance services in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Semistructured, individual two-session interviews with 15 ambulance nurses with the experience of being deployed to major incidents were conducted. Data were analysed with thematic analysis. RESULTS Being deployed in major incidents was perceived to be straining and led to both physical health problems and distress. To recover, the ambulance nurses strived to use strategies to distance themselves from the situation and created supportive conditions for their recovery, and if successful, the experiences led to both professional and personal growth and self-awareness. However, being deployed in major incidents without significant preparedness or experience could harm individuals and, in the worst case, end their career. CONCLUSIONS A successful recovery from the physical and mental exhaustion experienced after being deployed in a major incident required both individual abilities and self-care strategies as well as a supportive working environment. Supporting individual recovery strategies and following up on physical and mental well-being over time should be part of all ambulance services procedures after major incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Blomberg
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Karin Hugelius
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
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15
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Garabiles MR, Mordeno IG, Nalipay MJN. A comparison of DSM-5 and ICD-11 models of PTSD: Measurement invariance and psychometric validation in Filipino trauma samples. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:24-31. [PMID: 37196517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This study examined and compared the factor structure of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD models and their relationships with transdiagnostic symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, negative affect, and somatic symptoms) in eight trauma samples: (1) natural disaster relocatees; (2) Typhoon Haiyan survivors; (3) indigenous people exposed to armed conflict; (4) internally displaced persons due to armed conflict; (5) soldiers regularly involved in armed conflict; (6) police exposed to work-related traumatic events; (7) abused women; and (8) college students with diverse trauma experiences. Results showed that while the ICD-11 PTSD has better model fit than that of DSM-5, the DSM-5 PTSD model has stronger relationships with all transdiagnostic symptoms in almost all of the samples. The study highlights that in choosing which PTSD nomenclature to use, both the factor structure and comorbidity with other symptoms must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Garabiles
- Department of Psychology, De La Salle University, Philippines; Scalabrini Migration Center, Philippines; UGAT Foundation Inc., Philippines
| | - Imelu G Mordeno
- Department of Professional Education, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
| | - Ma Jenina N Nalipay
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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Saleem F, Malik MI. Exposure to Terrorism, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and University Teachers' Performance: Underpinning the Role of Social Support. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:517. [PMID: 37366769 PMCID: PMC10294798 DOI: 10.3390/bs13060517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the impact of exposure to terrorism on post-traumatic stress disorder and employee performance, and to determine whether social support acts as a boundary condition that can attenuate the adverse effects of PTSD on employee performance. The study used a cross-sectional sample of 178 university teachers who had experienced a terrorist attack. Data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires and analyzed using PROCESS Macro). The results found a negative and significant relationship between exposure to terrorism, post-traumatic disorder, and employees' performance. Moreover, it was also found that social support helps attenuate the negative impact of PTSD on performance levels. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the relationship between terrorism exposure, PTSD, employee performance, and the potential mitigating effects of social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farida Saleem
- Department of Management, College of Business Administration, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran Malik
- Department of Management Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Attock Campus, Attock 43600, Pakistan
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Fien S, Lawes JC, Ledger J, Drummond M, Simon P, Joseph N, Daw S, Best T, Stanton R, de Terte I. A preliminary study investigating the neglected domain of mental health in Australian lifesavers and lifeguards. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1036. [PMID: 37259042 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15741-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surf lifesavers and lifeguards have provided essential education, preventative, and rescue services to the Australian community for over 110 years. In this first responder role, surf lifesavers and lifeguards are inadvertently exposed to high risk and trauma related experiences, which may negatively impact mental well-being. To date however, there has been limited research into the mental health of surf lifesavers and lifeguards, and no studies at all on the mental health of adolescent surf lifesavers. The preliminary study aimed to measure the exposure of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), self-efficacy, social support, and attitudes towards mental health problems in Surf Life Saving (SLS) members. METHODS An anonymous, online survey was developed (adolescent and adult versions) and created to measure the domain of mental health in surf lifesavers and lifeguards. Pearson's correlations investigated relationships between PTEs, PTSS, self-efficacy, social support, attitudes towards mental health problems, age, years as a SLS member, and years patrolling. Spearman's Rank was used for violations of normality. RESULTS A total of 57 surf lifesavers/lifeguards aged 13-59 years were included in the final analysis. There was a significant positive relationship between exposure to direct trauma and PTSS, which in turn, were associated with greater negative attitudes towards mental health problems towards the mental health of others, and lower levels of self-efficacy. Male and female adults with PTSS reported lower social support, whereas for adolescent males, a positive relationship between direct trauma and PTSS was observed. CONCLUSION This research is the first to explore the mental health of Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards. The results highlight the potential risks to mental health and well-being associated with this first responder role. More research to protect the vulnerability of this population is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Fien
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Mackay, QLD, Australia.
- Research Cluster for Resilience and Wellbeing, Appleton Institute, Wayville, South, Australia.
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Building 4, Room G.33, Mackay City Campus, Sydney Street, Mackay, Mackay, QLD, 4740 P +61 7, 4940 3430E, Australia.
| | - Jasmin C Lawes
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Ledger
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray Drummond
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, SHAPE Research Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, Health, Australia
| | - Pamela Simon
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nancy Joseph
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shane Daw
- Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Talitha Best
- Research Cluster for Resilience and Wellbeing, Appleton Institute, Wayville, South, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, NeuroHealth Lab, Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert Stanton
- Research Cluster for Resilience and Wellbeing, Appleton Institute, Wayville, South, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian de Terte
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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[Psychotherapy prescribed by accident insurance consultants : Important component in treatment procedures of the statutory accident insurance]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:468-476. [PMID: 36917224 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany around 1 Million working and commuting accidents per year are officially registered. Since several years this number is constantly at this high level, only just since the appearance of the actual Covid pandemia significantly lower because of lockdowns and increase of homeoffice workplaces. OBJECTIVE To ensure the professional care of psychotraumatic sequelae of work-related injuries, in 2012 new regulations were introduced by the DGUV, the national umbrella organization of the German statutory health insurances. This healthcare reform (named "Psychotherapeutenverfahren", verbally translated: psychotherapists' procedure) is looked at 10 years later. Is the new regulation accepted by the surgeons' community? What case constellations can be observed? MATERIAL AND METHODS The use of this new instrument among trauma surgeons was evaluated by national data for the complete years 2013-2021. Additionally, we include regional data and case reports from a multidisciplinary medical facility including trauma surgery and psychiatry, located in Güstrow (Northeast Germany). RESULTS Nationwide the percentage of psychotherapy amongst the regular treatment has doubled between 2013 and 2021 from 0.47 to 0.96%. DISCUSSION Looking at the first 10 years of its clinical implementation, the new German psychotherapy regulation is apparently well accepted by the accident insurance consultants. As data from population based studies are not available, the actual percentage of psychological sequelae of accidents in this cases is not known yet. So there is further need of research and training in this interdisciplinary field to ensure appropriate treatment of victims of work-related accidents. The integration of psychotraumatological facts in the educational agendas of accident insurance consultants has already started.
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Hoell A, Kourmpeli E, Dressing H. Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder in paramedics in comparison to data from the general population of working age. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1151248. [PMID: 36969652 PMCID: PMC10035789 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveParamedics are at particularly high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Hitherto, evidence for higher prevalence rates in paramedics compared to the general population is vague. We aimed to determine and compare 12-month prevalence of PTSD in paramedics and general population from high-income countries.MethodsWe conducted systematic review processes to identify relevant studies for inclusion. For paramedics, we searched relevant databases, reference lists, and did citation tracking. Inclusion criteria were applied according to PICO. Quality of the studies was assessed using a validated methodological rating tool. Twelve-month prevalence data from all studies were pooled using random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity.ResultsIn total, we found 41 distinct samples with 17,045 paramedics, 55 samples with 311,547 individuals from non-exposed general population, 39 samples with 118,806 individuals from populations affected by natural disasters, and 22 samples with 99,222 individuals from populations affected by human-made disasters. Pooled 12-month prevalence estimates of PTSD were 20.0, 3.1, 15.6, and 12.0%, respectively. Prevalence estimates in paramedics varied with methodological quality and measurement instrument. Paramedics reporting distinct critical incidences had lower pooled prevalence than paramedics reporting indistinct types of exposure.ConclusionParamedics have a pooled prevalence of PTSD that is considerably higher than rates of unexposed general population and populations affected by human-made disasters. Chronic exposure to low-threshold traumatic events during daily routine work is a risk factor for developing PTSD. Strategies to ensure long working lifetime are strongly needed.
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García FE, Cova F, Vázquez C, Páez D. Posttraumatic growth in people affected by an occupational accident: A longitudinal multilevel model of change. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:409-424. [PMID: 35851747 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed a predictive model of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a cohort of 244 workers affected by an occupational accident. A longitudinal design with three points in time (i.e., 1, 6, and 12 months after the accident) was used. PTG, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), subjective severity of the event, deliberate rumination, and seeking social support were evaluated. In addition, time since the accident, age, and gender were included as predictors in our model. Deliberate rumination and seeking social support significantly predicted PTG trajectory in a multilevel model. Practical conclusions from the results suggest that work accident victims should be encouraged to seek social support and to positively reframe their experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe E García
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Félix Cova
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | | - Darío Páez
- University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain
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Nourry N, Alsayed Obeid S, Rolling J, Lefebvre F, Baumlin S, Nasseri M, Berna F, Charbotel B, Gonzalez M, Vidailhet P, Mengin AC. Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression after the 2018 Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack: a comparison of exposed and non-exposed police personnel. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2214872. [PMID: 37305952 PMCID: PMC10262818 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2214872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Police personnel are among the first responders exposed to terrorist attacks, raising in number in the late decades. Due to their profession, they are also exposed to repetitive violence, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD and depression.Objective: Our study aims at comparing the prevalence of PTSD and depression, and the risk factors associated with these conditions among directly and indirectly exposed versus non-exposed police personnel during the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack.Method: Three months after the attack, participants completed a survey assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, occupational data, degree of exposure, sleep debt around the event, event centrality (CES), and three mental health conditions: PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), and suicide risk (yes/no questions).Results: A total of 475 police personnel responded to the questionnaire: 263 were exposed to the attack (182 of them directly) and 212 were non-exposed. Among directly exposed participants, the prevalences of partial and complete PTSD were 12.6 and 6.6%, and the prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression was 11.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that direct exposure was associated with a higher risk of PTSD (OR = 2.98 [1.10-8.12], p = .03). Direct exposure was not associated with a higher risk of depression (OR = 0.40 [0.10-1.10], p = .08). A significant sleep debt after the event was not associated with a higher risk of later PTSD (OR = 2.18 [0.81-5.91], p = .13) but was associated with depression (OR = 7.92 [2.40-26.5], p < .001). A higher event centrality was associated with both PTSD and depression (p < .001).Conclusions: Police personnel directly exposed to the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack were at higher risk of PTSD but not depression. Efforts to prevent and treat PTSD should focus on directly exposed police personnel. However, general mental health should be monitored for every personnel member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Nourry
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Shadi Alsayed Obeid
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Rolling
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Propre de Recherche 3212 (CNRS UPR 3212), Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI), Strasbourg, France
| | - François Lefebvre
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Département de Santé Publique, GMRC, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Biostatistique et Informatique Médicale, Illkirch, France
| | - Sandra Baumlin
- Service de Soutien Psychologique opérationnel, Police Nationale, Ministère de l’Intérieur, Préfecture du Bas Rhin, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohamed Nasseri
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Département de Santé Publique, GMRC, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Biostatistique et Informatique Médicale, Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice Berna
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1114, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Barbara Charbotel
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Maria Gonzalez
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Vidailhet
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1114, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amaury C. Mengin
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1114, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, Strasbourg, France
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Andrews KL, Jamshidi L, Shields RE, Teckchandani TA, Afifi TO, Fletcher AJ, Sauer-Zavala S, Brunet A, Krätzig GP, Carleton RN. Examining mental health knowledge, stigma, and service use intentions among Royal Canadian Mounted Police cadets. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1123361. [PMID: 37205089 PMCID: PMC10187145 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers experience an elevated risk for mental health disorders due to inherent work-related exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events and occupational stressors. RCMP officers also report high levels of stigma and low levels of intentions to seek mental health services. In contrast, very little is known about the levels of mental health knowledge and stigma of RCMP cadets starting the Cadet Training Program (CTP). The current study was designed to: (1) obtain baseline levels of mental health knowledge, stigma against peers in the workplace, and service use intentions in RCMP cadets; (2) determine the relationship among mental health knowledge, stigma against peers in the workplace, and service use intentions among RCMP cadets; (3) examine differences across sociodemographic characteristics; and (4) compare cadets to a sample of previously surveyed serving RCMP. Methods Participants were RCMP cadets (n = 772) starting the 26-week CTP. Cadets completed questionnaires assessing mental health knowledge, stigma against coworkers with mental health challenges, and mental health service use intentions. Results RCMP cadets reported statistically significantly lower levels of mental health knowledge (d = 0.233) and stigma (d = 0.127), and higher service use intentions (d = 0.148) than serving RCMP (all ps < 0.001). Female cadets reported statistically significantly higher scores on mental health knowledge and service use and lower scores on stigma compared to male cadets. Mental health knowledge and service use intentions were statistically significantly positively associated. For the total sample, stigma was inversely statistically significantly associated with mental health knowledge and service use intentions. Conclusion The current results indicate that higher levels of mental health knowledge were associated with lower stigma and higher intention to use professional mental health services. Differences between cadets and serving RCMP highlight the need for regular ongoing training starting from the CTP, designed to reduce stigma and increase mental health knowledge. Differences between male and female cadets suggest differential barriers to help-seeking behaviors. The current results provide a baseline to monitor cadet mental health knowledge and service use intentions and stigma as they progress throughout their careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Andrews
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- *Correspondence: Katie L. Andrews,
| | - Laleh Jamshidi
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Robyn E. Shields
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Taylor A. Teckchandani
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Tracie O. Afifi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Amber J. Fletcher
- Department of Sociology and Social Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Shannon Sauer-Zavala
- Treatment Innovation for Psychological Services Research Program, Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Alain Brunet
- McGill’s Psychiatry Department and Douglas Institute Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Gregory P. Krätzig
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - R. Nicholas Carleton
- Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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Kaye-Tzadok A, Icekson T. A phenomenological exploration of work-related post-traumatic growth among high-functioning adults maltreated as children. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1048295. [PMID: 36619051 PMCID: PMC9814126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1048295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood maltreatment is a highly prevalent traumatic experience, and its adverse psychological and behavioral consequences are well-documented. Notwithstanding these adverse outcomes, many individuals who suffered from traumatic experiences report post-traumatic growth, i.e., transformative positive changes resulting from their struggle to cope. Post-traumatic growth has been extensively explored among adult survivors of childhood maltreatment, with findings indicating both the previously recognized domains (personal strength, relating to others, appreciation of life, openness to new possibilities, and spiritual change) as well as abuse-specific domains of growth (e.g., increased ability to protect themselves from abuse). However, little attention has been given to vocational aspects of post-traumatic growth among survivors, despite the central role and importance of work in adulthood. Exploration of post-traumatic growth at work has focused on certain vocational traumatic experiences, such as those which occur in the military, or through secondary trauma. This exploratory qualitative study focuses on the question: What is the lived experience of work-related post-traumatic growth among high-functioning adult survivors of CM? Method Twenty in-depth interviews were held with high-functioning working adults who were maltreated as children. Phenomenological analysis was applied to the retrospective data reported in these interviews. Result Rich descriptions of work-related positive psychological changes were provided by all participants. Analysis revealed that survivors' post-traumatic growth corresponded with all five previously recognized domains of growth: changes in self, relating to others, openness to new possibilities, finding meaning to the abuse, and appreciation of life. It also revealed that work is perceived as a form of resistance (a subtheme of changes in self), and that finding meaning entails three emerging subthemes: being a survivor and a role model, giving others what was needed and never received, and making a better world. Discussion While the vocational lives of survivors of childhood maltreatment have rarely been examined through the lens of post-traumatic growth, our results show this lens to be highly valuable. Work-related post-traumatic growth has relevance not only regarding vocational traumas occurring in adulthood as has been previously studied, but also in the context of childhood traumas. Moreover, our research broadens the understanding of the possible domains of work-related growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Kaye-Tzadok
- Social Work Department and the Lior Tsfaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel,*Correspondence: Avital Kaye-Tzadok,
| | - Tamar Icekson
- Program in Organizational Development & Consulting, School of Behavioral Sciences, Peres Academic Center, Rehovot, Israel,Departments of Management and Education, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Pihl-Thingvad J, Vang ML, Møller SR, Hansen NB. Critical Incidents Scale for Ambulance Work - Denmark (CISAW-D): the development of a screening tool for work exposure to critical events in operative ambulance personnel. Br Paramed J 2022; 7:26-33. [PMID: 36531797 PMCID: PMC9730194 DOI: 10.29045/14784726.2022.12.7.3.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Critical incidents in ambulance work are not easily compared to other risk occupations. Understanding types of incidents that can be considered critical in operational ambulance work is important to prevent work-related post-traumatic stress (PTS). Aim This study aimed to develop a scale of critical incidents in ambulance work and assess its predictive validity in relation to the severity of PTS symptoms. Methods A total of 1092 open-ended descriptions from Danish ambulance personnel were content analysed to develop a categorical scale that identifies types of events perceived as critical to operative ambulance personnel. Multiple regression was used to assess whether the scale predicted PTS symptoms and to assess the cumulative effect of exposure to these events. Results The study found that the 1092 descriptions of critical events could be condensed into 28 categories of critical events. These ranged from life-threatening situations and deaths, to more daily events such as handling strong emotional reactions from patients' relatives and working with terminally ill children. The frequency of events significantly predicted the severity of PTS symptoms with low to moderate effect (std beta = 0.2, t(375) = 3.7, p < .001), even when adjusting for known risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusion This study showed that critical events in ambulance work included events that are not normally considered traumatic, and indicated that understanding the cumulative effect of these events is important when trying to prevent traumatic sequalae in ambulance personnel. The study highlighted the importance of increased focus on non-traumatic incidents that have an ongoing impact on paramedics' mental health and well-being. The Critical Incidents Scale for Ambulance Work - Denmark (CISAW-D) is a promising tool for systematic screening for exposure to critical events in ambulance work.
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Isabirye RA, Namuli JD, Kinyanda E. Prevalence and factors associated with post traumatic stress disorder among field police patrol officers serving in Kampala Metropolitan region. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:706. [PMID: 36380315 PMCID: PMC9666967 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04317-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupation groups like police officers and fire fighters are exposed to a number of traumatic events which put them at a risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous studies have found the prevalence of PTSD in police officers to vary between 7 and 19%. However, most of these studies have been undertaken in western setting with little research having been undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa including Uganda. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among field police patrol officers serving in Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) North Region. METHODS This was a cross sectional study that was conducted on 392 field police patrol officers serving in KMP North Region. Diagnosis of PTSD was undertaken using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. In order to assess for psychiatric comorbidities, the study used the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of PTSD was 7.4%. An additional 62.5% had sub-threshold PTSD, which was defined as, the presence of at least one PTSD symptom but not meeting full criteria for PTSD diagnosis. The factors found to be significantly associated with PTSD were all related to the presence of psychiatric comorbidities, namely the presence of: a current major depressive episode (aOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 1.5- 14.8; p = .009); an alcohol use disorder (aOR = 5.1; 95% CI: 2.0-13.0; p = .001); and presence of dissociation symptoms (aOR = 6.7; 95% CI: 2.0-22.2; p = .002). CONCLUSION PTSD is one of the common psychiatric disorders experienced by serving police officers in Uganda. The tendency of PTSD in this group to co-occur with other psychiatric disorders means that any treatment program to address it should be part of a comprehensive multi-disorder mental health treatment programme in the police office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogers Agenda Isabirye
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Justine Diana Namuli
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eugene Kinyanda
- grid.415861.f0000 0004 1790 6116 Mental Health Section, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
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Mental Health Among Firefighters: Understanding the Mental Health Risks, Treatment Barriers, and Coping Strategies. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e714-e721. [PMID: 36069858 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are at high-risk of mental health. This study qualitatively assessed the pathways toward mental health in firefighters. METHODS A two-phased assessment was conducted incorporating in-depth interviews (n = 52) and 10 focus group discussions (n = 82) with firefighters. Thematic analysis was used to develop codes and themes that informed the development of a conceptual model. RESULTS Firefighters recognized personalizing events by relating calls to their personal lives or prior life experiences as the main risk factor. Department debriefing with fire chiefs or leadership after traumatic events was reported as the primary coping strategy firefighters found most effective. Stigma and lack of medical professionals understanding the firefighter culture were identified as barriers for accessing mental health services or their effectiveness. DISCUSSION Pathways toward mental health in firefighters were identified that could be used to improve current strategies to protect their well-being.
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Wizner K, Cunningham K, Gaspar FW, Dewa CS, Grunert B. Occupational posttraumatic stress disorder and workplace violence in workers' compensation claims. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1368-1380. [PMID: 35429412 PMCID: PMC9790626 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Acts of violence are the fifth leading cause of nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States. Experiencing a traumatic event at work can have serious mental health consequences, including the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of PTSD caused by workplace violence (WPV) in a statewide workers' compensation system and compare the outcomes and treatment of WPV cases versus those caused by other traumatic events. Using a retrospective cohort study design, workers who reported PTSD as the primary reason for a workers' compensation claim and had no coexisting physical injuries were found in California during 2009-2018. A total of 3,772 PTSD cases were identified, 48.9% of which were attributed to WPV. Demographic risk factors associated with WPV PTSD included lower income, younger age, female gender, and employment in retail or finance, p < .001-p = .007. For individuals who returned to work, claims due to WPV resulted in longer medically approved time away from work than non-WPV causes (Mdn = 132.5 days vs. Mdn = 91 days, respectively), p < .001. Three of the top 10 most frequently prescribed medications were administered against evidence-based guidelines. This study found that many treatments prescribed to PTSD patients are based on insufficient evidence, and the provision of existing empirically supported treatments is needed, particularly in generalized populations. The findings support the need for additional recognition of the cause of workplace PTSD to facilitate appropriate referrals to WPV or PTSD specialists to support return-to-work efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Wizner
- MDGuidelinesReedGroup Ltd.WestminsterColoradoUSA
| | - Katherine Cunningham
- Mental Health and Behavioral MedicineVeterans Affairs Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care SystemHarlingenTexasUSA
| | | | - Carolyn S. Dewa
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavis; SacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brad Grunert
- Departments of Plastic Surgery and Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
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Majani AF, Ghazali SR, Yong CY, Pauzi N, Adenan F, Manogaran K. Job-related psychological trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms among Malaysian firefighters. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 76:103248. [PMID: 36037699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alia Fadaliana Majani
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Siti Raudzah Ghazali
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Chen Yoke Yong
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Norasikin Pauzi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Faizul Adenan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Kokilah Manogaran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
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Carnall LA, Mason O, O'Sullivan M, Patton R. Psychosocial hazards, posttraumatic stress disorder, complex posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in the U.K. rail industry: A cross-sectional study. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1460-1471. [PMID: 35733296 PMCID: PMC9796412 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety among U.K. rail workers. A cross-sectional survey examining exposure to seven psychosocial hazards (bullying/harassment; verbal abuse; physical and sexual assault; and hearing about, seeing the aftermath of, or witnessing a fatality), working conditions, physical health, and the impact of COVID-19 was administered to 3,912 participants. Outcome measures were the ITQ, PHQ-9, and GAD-7. Among trauma-exposed participants, 24.3% met the criteria for PTSD or CPTSD; 38.6% and 29.2% of all participants scored in the moderate-to-severe range on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression. Bullying/harassment was positively associated with GAD-7 scores, f2 = .001, and PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 1.83-2.02. Hearing about and witnessing a fatality were associated with PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 1.77-2.10. Poorer ergonomics at work were positively associated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, f2 = .001. Higher job satisfaction was associated with lower odds of PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 0.87-0.91, and negatively associated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, f2 = .008-.01. Work intensity was associated with PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 1.79-1.83, and positively associated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, f2 = .02-.03. Reporting more physical health problems was associated with PTSD, OR = 1.07, and positively associated with GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, f2 = .008-.01. The results suggest bullying/harassment and work intensity are important variables in employee mental health and could drive future research and industry initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Mason
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Robert Patton
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom
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Changes and Influencing Factors of Stress Disorder in Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Stress Disorder. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9082946. [PMID: 36199756 PMCID: PMC9529484 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9082946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain injury caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, sports, and combat. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental disorder caused by physical and psychological trauma, which manifests itself with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. How its symptoms arise and what factors influence it are not fully understood nor can it be predicted. In order to better understand the changes after stress disorder in TBI patients and the influencing factors of PTSD, this paper analyzed the changes and influencing factors of stress disorder in patients with mild traumatic brain injury stress disorder. In this paper, the Wechsler Memory Scale and functional magnetic resonance imaging were first used to study the memory impairment and functional changes of corresponding brain regions in patients with TBI stress disorder, and then, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale and the pain Visual Analogue Scale were used to study the influencing factors of PTSD. The results of the study showed that PTSD patients reduced and enhanced regional brain functional activity and impaired memory function in the resting state. Male gender, age under 45 years, no hemiplegia, and good sleep quality were protective factors for PTSD in TBI patients. The need for drug-assisted sleep, severe headache, and moderate headache was the risk factor for PTSD in TBI patients.
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Setroikromo SNW, van der Werff SJA, Smit AS, Vermetten E, Van Der Wee NJA. Resting-State Functional Connectivity Characteristics of Resilience to Traumatic Stress in Dutch Police Officers. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:919327. [PMID: 35967898 PMCID: PMC9364835 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.919327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insights into the neurobiological basis of resilience can have important implications for the prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders, especially in populations that are subjected to high-stress environments. Evaluating large-scale resting-state networks (RSNs) can provide information regarding resilient specific brain function which may be useful in understanding resilience. This study aimed to explore functional connectivity patterns specific for (high) resilience in Dutch policemen after exposure to multiple work-related traumatic events. We investigated resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of the salience network (SN), limbic network, and the default-mode network (DMN). Methods Resting-state functional MRI scans were obtained from trauma-exposed executive personnel of the Dutch police force and non-trauma-exposed recruits from the police academy. Participants were divided into three groups: a resilient group (n = 31; trauma exposure; no psychopathology), a vulnerable group (n = 32; trauma exposure, psychopathology), and a control group (n = 19; no trauma exposure, no psychopathology). RSFC of the three networks of interest was compared between these groups, using an independent component analysis and a dual regression approach. Results We found decreased resilience-specific positive RSFC of the salience network with several prefrontal regions. The DMN and limbic network RFSC did not show resilience-specific patterns. Conclusion This study shows a differential RSFC specific for resilient police officers. This differential RSFC may be related to a greater capacity for internal-focused thought and interoceptive awareness, allowing more effective higher-order responses to stress in highly resilient individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santoucha N. W. Setroikromo
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, Netherlands
- Rivierduinen, Institute for Mental Health Care, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Steven J. A. van der Werff
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leids Universitair Behandel- en Expertise Centrum, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Steven J. A. van der Werff,
| | | | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Nic J. A. Van Der Wee
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, Netherlands
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Alshahrani KM, Johnson J, Hill L, Alghunaim TA, Sattar R, O’Connor DB. A qualitative, cross-cultural investigation into the impact of potentially traumatic work events on Saudi and UK ambulance personnel and how they cope. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:116. [PMID: 35761202 PMCID: PMC9235175 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00666-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among ambulance personnel, but its prevalence varies between developed and developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the lived experience of potentially traumatic work events between Saudi and UK ambulance personnel. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 16 ambulance workers from Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom (8 participants from each country) were conducted to explore their lived experiences of potentially traumatic events at work. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four key themes were identified from interviews: (1) some events are inherently more stressful than others; (2) pressure of organizational and interpersonal stressors; (3) convergence and divergence in cross-cultural coping strategies; and (4) preferring formal and confidential support. Conclusions There were differences in the nature of traumatic events and the ways of coping between the two cultures, but paramedics in both cultures had an agreement about their preference for individual and formal support. The results of this study may help inform the development of interventions and PTSD prevention programs for ambulance personnel. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00666-w.
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Morris H, Hatzikiriakidis K, Savaglio M, Dwyer J, Lewis C, Miller R, Skouteris H. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for the treatment and early intervention of trauma among first responders: A systematic review. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:778-790. [PMID: 35064977 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
First responders are exposed to repetitive work-related trauma and, thus, are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy intervention designed to treat symptoms of posttraumatic stress. We conducted a systematic review to examine the viability of EMDR among first responders. The primary aim of this review was to identify studies that have trialed EMDR among first responders and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing trauma-related symptoms; a secondary aim was to identify whether EMDR has been used as an early intervention for this cohort and determine its effectiveness as such. Four databases were searched. Studies were included if they evaluated the extent to which EMDR was effective in alleviating symptoms stemming from work-related trauma exposure among first responders. The findings from each study were reported descriptively, and eight studies that evaluated the efficacy of EMDR in this population were included. There was substantial variation in how EMDR was implemented, particularly in the type, duration, frequency, and timing. The findings suggest that EMDR can alleviate symptoms of work-related trauma exposure among first responders; however, findings regarding early intervention were inconclusive, and a methodological quality assessment revealed that all studies were classified as being of either weak or medium quality. Although this review provides preliminary insights into the effectiveness of EMDR for first responders, the conclusions that can be drawn from the literature are limited, and the findings highlight several gaps in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Morris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kostas Hatzikiriakidis
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Savaglio
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Catrin Lewis
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Warwick Business School, Warwick University, Coventry, UK
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Hansen NB, Møller SR, Elklit A, Brandt L, Andersen LL, Pihl-Thingvad J. Are You All right (AYA)? Association of cumulative traumatic events among Danish police officers with mental health, work environment and sickness absenteeism: protocol of a 3-year prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e049769. [PMID: 35613817 PMCID: PMC9131071 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Police officers are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events at work that increases risk of developing mental health problems, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individual and organisational factors may influence the detrimental effects of cumulative exposure to traumatic events. Occupational stress and lack of organisational support are associated with increased risk of PTSD among police officers. The Are You All right? (AYA) project is a prospective cohort study investigating the cumulative effect of traumatic events at work on mental health problems and absenteeism among police officers. The study also investigates whether potential risk and protective factors modify the association of traumatic events at work with mental health problems and absenteeism. METHOD AND ANALYSIS The AYA-study includes the entire Danish police force. Prospective survey data are collected over a 3-year period beginning in the spring of 2021. Electronic surveys are sent out at baseline with 1-year, 2-year and 3-year follow-up. Further, short surveys are sent out every third month, covering exposure to traumatic events and current mental health status. The survey data are paired with workplace register data on sickness absence. Register data on sickness absence cover the period from 2020 to 2025. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was presented for evaluation at the National Ethics Committee in Denmark (reference number: 20202000-216), but according to Danish legislation, survey studies do not require approval by official Danish scientific or ethical committees. Participation in the project is based on informed consent, and data are handled in accordance with the Danish data legislation (journal number: 20/41457). Results are published in scientific journals and disseminated at international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Beck Hansen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sara Rosenbeck Møller
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ask Elklit
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Brandt
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Jesper Pihl-Thingvad
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
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Mojallal M, Simons RM, Quevillon RP, Hatwan ML. Associations of experiential avoidance with burnout, wellbeing, and productivity loss among police officers: The mediating role of negative and positive affect. J Clin Psychol 2022; 78:2260-2280. [PMID: 35521677 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aims to investigate the indirect associations between experiential avoidance (EA) and burnout, wellbeing, and productivity loss (PL) via the mediating role of positive and negative emotions among police officers. METHODS Data were collected on 187 officers (84% male) aged 21-64 years between 2019 and 2020. Participants completed online self-report measures. RESULTS EA was indirectly associated with burnout via positive and negative affect. EA was indirectly associated with wellbeing through positive affect, positive affect and burnout, and negative affect and burnout. Finally, EA was indirectly associated with PL via positive affect and burnout, and negative affect and burnout. CONCLUSION Results provide support for the role of EA in officers' wellbeing and job performance via increasing negative affect and decreasing positive affect. This highlights the importance of interventions, such as acceptance and commitment therapy that target acceptance and psychological flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mojallal
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Raluca M Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Randal P Quevillon
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Mason L Hatwan
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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Burnout Syndrome and Related Factors in Mexican Police Workforces. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095537. [PMID: 35564932 PMCID: PMC9102065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Burnout (BO) is a response to prolonged exposure to work-related stressors characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). The police working environment includes continued critical life-threatening situations, violence, and injuries, among other related factors putting them at high risk of distress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between Burnout Syndrome and sociodemographic, occupational, and health factors in Mexican police officers. We applied the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) to 351 active members of the Mexican police workforce. In addition, a specific questionnaire identified the presence of chronic degenerative diseases, hypertension, diabetes, digestive diseases, self-perception of food quality, and hours of sleep. Furthermore, 23.36% of police workforces presented high levels of burnout; 44.16% of police were highly emotionally exhausted, 49.29% had lost empathy with people, and 41.03% presented low personal achievement. Moreover, the worst levels of the syndrome were present in people with a poor self-perceived health status, poor perception of diet quality, without regular mealtimes, bad sleep habits, and elevated Body Mass Index. Data suggest that in Mexican police officers, BO is dimensionally different from all other groups previously studied (DP > EE > PA).
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Brewin CR, Miller JK, Soffia M, Peart A, Burchell B. Posttraumatic stress disorder and complex posttraumatic stress disorder in UK police officers. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1287-1295. [PMID: 32892759 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720003025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated work-related exposure to stressful and traumatic events in police officers, including repeated exposure to traumatic materials, and predicted that ICD-11 complex PTSD (CPTSD) would be more prevalent than posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of demographic variables on exposure and PTSD were examined, along with whether specific types of exposure were uniquely associated with PTSD or CPTSD. METHODS An online survey covering issues about trauma management, wellbeing and working conditions was disseminated via social media and official policing channels throughout the UK. In total, 10 401 serving police officers self-identified as having been exposed to traumatic events. Measurement of PTSD and CPTSD utilised the International Trauma Questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of PTSD was 8.0% and of CPTSD was 12.6%. All exposures were associated with PTSD and CPTSD in bivariate analyses. Logistic regression indicated that both disorders were more common in male officers, and were associated independently with frequent exposure to traumatic incidents and traumatic visual material, and with exposure to humiliating behaviours and sexual harassment, but not to verbal abuse, threats or physical violence. Compared to PTSD, CPTSD was associated with exposure to humiliating behaviours and sexual harassment, and also with lower rank and more years of service. CONCLUSIONS CPTSD was more common than PTSD in police officers, and the data supported a cumulative burden model of CPTSD. The inclusion in DSM-5 Criterion A of work-related exposure to traumatic materials was validated for the first time. Levels of PTSD and CPTSD mandate enhanced occupational mental health services.
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Greinacher A, Nikendei A, Kottke R, Wiesbeck J, Herzog W, Friederich HC, Nikendei C. Secondary traumatisation in psychosocial emergency care personnel-A longitudinal study accompanying German trainees. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:957-967. [PMID: 33370475 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial emergency care personnel form an important first responder subgroup, in which trained volunteers provide psychological first aid to accident and trauma survivors, their relatives, eye witnesses, bystanders and first responders themselves. This is the first longitudinal study to assess psychological burden due to secondary traumatisation and relevant resilience factors in psychosocial emergency care personnel. We asked 100 German psychosocial emergency care workers to assess their feeling of preparedness and resilience factors prior training. After training, when participants had worked emergency responses, we assessed secondary traumatisation. Overall, the level of secondary traumatisation was sub-clinical (M = 37.50, SD = 5.35) after training and reported resilience factor levels were high. Three regression analyses were conducted to examine the moderation effect of preparedness on specific expertise (R2 = 0.479, p < 0.001), performance competence (R2 = 0.419, p = 0.002) and inner attitude (R2 = 0.336, p = 0.002) in regard to the relationship between resilience factors and secondary traumatisation. Feeling prepared and competent for emergency responses were protective factors. Practical implications include the following: volunteers should not take part in emergency responses if they are under excessive stress; the volunteers' resilience factors should be taken into account; emergency response training should promote the feeling of preparedness in specific expertise and performance competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Greinacher
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Red Cross, Rescue Service Bodensee-Oberschwaben, Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Renate Kottke
- German Red Cross, Baden-Wuerttemberg Regional Association, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wiesbeck
- German Red Cross, Baden-Wuerttemberg Regional Association, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herzog
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Bock C, Zimmermann T, Kahl KG. The impact of post-traumatic stress on the mental state of university hospital physicians - a cross sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:85. [PMID: 35114970 PMCID: PMC8815118 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital physicians have an increased risk for post-traumatic stress caused by work-related trauma. This study examines the frequency of reported traumatic events (TE), post-traumatic stress (PTS) and its possible consequences for the mental state and work ability of physicians at a university hospital. METHODS As part of the mandatory psychological risk assessment, n = 145 physicians (n = 56 female; 38.6%) were examined at a university hospital in Germany in a cross sectional study. TE, PTS and symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the self-report questionnaires "Freiburger Screening Fragebogen to identify patients at risk for the development of a post-traumatic stress disorder in the group of severely injured patients" (PTBS-13), the "Patient Health Questionnaire" (PHQ-2) and the "Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale" (GAD-2). Work ability was assessed using a modified version of the questionnaire for workplace analysis (KFZA). The response rate was 52%. RESULTS Traumatic events were experienced by n = 125 physicians (86.2%) throughout their whole career. Of these, 19 physicians (15.2%) reported PTS. PTS is reported by 12 of 56 female physicians (63.2%), compared to 7 of 89 reports of PTS by male physicians (36.8%). Physicians with PTS symptoms had higher depression scores (p = 0.007) compared to physicians without TE or with TE, but without PTS. Physicians with PTS reported significantly reduced work ability caused by constantly interrupted work (p = 0.03). Female gender was the greatest risk factor for the development of PTS. (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Physicians - especially females - with PTS may have an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing trauma-related stress symptoms may be helpful in improving mental health of hospital physicians. Further studies with more physicians from different hospitals are necessary to support the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bock
- Department of Occupational Safety, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Tanja Zimmermann
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai G. Kahl
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Baker LD, Stroman JC, Kalantar EA, Bock RC, Berghoff CR. Indirect Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Other Psychiatric Symptoms, Alcohol Use, and Well-being via Psychological Flexibility Among Police Officers. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:55-65. [PMID: 33821526 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Police officers experience a high number of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) often associated with elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). In addition, PTSS are related to co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression), alcohol misuse, and low perceived well-being. Yet, behavioral processes that may account for the associations between PTSS and unfavorable outcomes remain unspecified. Psychological flexibility, or one's response to private experiences (e.g., PTE-related memories) with an open, aware, and active approach, may be one such process. The present study aimed to evaluate psychological flexibility as both a mediator and moderator of PTSS and commonly co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, alcohol use, and general well-being, using cross-sectional data provided by a sample of police officers (N = 459) recruited from three regionally distributed U.S. police agencies. Structural equation modeling indicated a well-fitting model wherein psychological flexibility indirectly accounted for associations among PTSS and endogenous outcomes, χ2 (107, N = 457) = 225.33, p < .001, CFI = .99, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .05, 90% CI [.04, .06], SRMR = .03. Psychological flexibility also moderated associations between PTSS and psychiatric symptoms, B = 1.58 (SE = 0.22), p < .001; and well-being, B = -3.84 (SE = 0.46), p < .001. Although additional research is needed, these preliminary results suggest psychological flexibility may be a behavioral process that accounts for negative outcomes associated with PTSS and a productive intervention target in the context of PTSS and generalized distress. Further research regarding the role of psychological flexibility in PTSS-related outcomes for police officers appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D Baker
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Joel C Stroman
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Emily A Kalantar
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Rachel C Bock
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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Diamond PR, Airdrie JN, Hiller R, Fraser A, Hiscox LV, Hamilton-Giachritsis C, Halligan SL. Change in prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the two years following trauma: a meta-analytic study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2066456. [PMID: 35646293 PMCID: PMC9132436 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2066456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the course of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the factors that impact this is essential to inform decisions about when and for whom screening and intervention are likely to be beneficial. OBJECTIVE To provide meta-analytic evidence of the course of recovery from PTSD in the first year following trauma, and the factors that influence that recovery. METHOD We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies of adult PTSD prevalence which included at least two assessments within the first 12 months following trauma exposure, examining prevalence statistics through to 2 years post-trauma. We examined trauma intentionality (intentional or non-intentional), PTSD assessment method (clinician or self-report), sample sex distribution, and age as moderators of PTSD prevalence over time. RESULTS We identified 78 eligible studies including 16,484 participants. Pooled prevalence statistics indicated that over a quarter of individuals presented with PTSD at 1 month post-trauma, with this proportion reducing by a third between 1 and 3 months. Beyond 3 months, any prevalence changes were detected over longer intervals and were small in magnitude. Intentional trauma, younger age, and female sex were associated with higher PTSD prevalence at 1 month. In addition, higher proportions of females, intentional trauma exposure, and higher baseline PTSD prevalence were each associated with larger reductions in prevalence over time. CONCLUSIONS Recovery from PTSD following acute trauma exposure primarily occurs in the first 3 months post-trauma. Screening measures and intervention approaches offered at 3 months may better target persistent symptoms than those conducted prior to this point. HIGHLIGHTS PTSD rates in the immediate aftermath of trauma exposure decline from 27% at 1 month to 18% at 3 months post-trauma, showing significant spontaneous recovery.Problems appear to stabilize after 3 months.Screening/intervention for PTSD at 3 months post-trauma is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - J N Airdrie
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - R Hiller
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - A Fraser
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - L V Hiscox
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - S L Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gross DP, Rachor GS, Yamamoto SS, Dick BD, Brown C, Senthilselvan A, Straube S, Els C, Jackson T, Brémault-Phillips S, Voaklander D, Stastny J, Berry T. Characteristics and Prognostic Factors for Return to Work in Public Safety Personnel with Work-Related Posttraumatic Stress Injury Undergoing Rehabilitation. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:768-784. [PMID: 33751310 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-021-09963-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Public safety personnel (PSP) are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) due to exposure to traumatic experiences and accidents. Rehabilitation programs are available, but their success varies. We studied: (1) characteristics of PSP undergoing PTSI rehabilitation in comparison to non-PSP workers; and (2) predictive value of various factors for return to work. Methods A population-based cohort study was conducted using data on injured workers undergoing PTSI rehabilitation. Of the 488 workers included, 131 were PSP. Outcome measures were: (1) return to pre-accident work at rehabilitation discharge; (2) days receiving wage replacement benefits in the year following rehabilitation. Results PSP were mainly employed (90.8%), male (59.5%), paramedics/ambulance workers (58.0%); a minority (43.5%) returned to pre-accident work after rehabilitation. Compared to non-PSP workers, PSP were more likely to initially be diagnosed with psychological injuries (94.7% versus 59.4%, p < 0.001) rather than musculoskeletal injuries. Return to pre-accident work was predicted by shorter injury duration, having a primary mental health diagnosis, working at time of admission, and not having symptoms requiring treatment in a complex rehabilitation program. PSPs were slower to experience full recovery in the year after rehabilitation. Factors predicting fewer benefit days included not having a secondary psychological injury, being employed, and working at time of admission. Conclusions Most PSP did not return to work in full after PTSI rehabilitation. Outcomes are likely to improve by starting treatment earlier and maintaining connections with the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas P Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G4, Canada.
| | - Geoffrey S Rachor
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Bruce D Dick
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Cary Brown
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Sebastian Straube
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Charl Els
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tanya Jackson
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Don Voaklander
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jarett Stastny
- Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Theodore Berry
- Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Berthelsen M, Hansen MB, Nissen A, Nielsen MB, Knardahl S, Heir T. The Impact of a Workplace Terrorist Attack on the Psychosocial Work Environment: A Longitudinal Study From Pre- to Post-disaster. Front Public Health 2021; 9:708260. [PMID: 34805061 PMCID: PMC8599365 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.708260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychosocial work environment is of great importance for regaining health and productivity after a workplace disaster. Still, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of a disaster on the psychosocial work environment. The purpose of this study was to examine whether employees' perceptions of role clarity, role conflicts, and predictability in their work situation changed from before to after a workplace terrorist attack. We combined data from two prospective work environment surveys of employees in three governmental ministries that were the target of the 2011 Oslo terrorist attack. A first two-wave survey was conducted 4-5 years and 2-3 years before the attack, and a second three-wave survey took place 10 months, 2 years, and 3 years after the attack. Of 504 individuals who were employed at the time of the bombing, 220 were employed in both pre- and post-disaster periods, participated in both the first and the second survey, and consented to the linking of data from the two surveys. We found no significant changes in levels of role clarity, role conflict, and predictability from before to after the terrorist attack. Adjusting for sex, age and education had no effect on the results. The findings suggest that perceptions of the psychosocial working environment are likely to be maintained at previous levels in the aftermath of a workplace disaster. Considering the importance of the psychosocial work environment for regaining health and productivity, the findings are important for the preparation for, and management of, future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Berthelsen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Bang Hansen
- Norwegian National Unit for Hearing Impairment and Mental Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexander Nissen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Heir
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Kamphuis W, Delahaij R, de Vries TA. Team Coping: Cross-Level Influence of Team Member Coping Activities on Individual Burnout. Front Psychol 2021; 12:711981. [PMID: 34803799 PMCID: PMC8599448 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coping with stress has been primarily investigated as an individual-level phenomenon. In work settings, however, an individual's exposure to demands is often shared with co-workers, and the process of dealing with these demands takes place in the interaction with them. Coping, therefore, may be conceptualized as a multilevel construct. This paper introduces the team coping concept and shows that including coping as a higher-level team property may help explain individual-level outcomes. Specifically, we investigated the effects of exposure to danger during deployment on burnout symptoms in military service members and examined to what extent this relationship was moderated by individual-level and team-level functional coping. We hypothesized that the relationship between individuals' exposure to danger and burnout is contingent on both. In line with our predictions, we found that service members who were highly exposed to danger, and did not engage in much functional coping, suffered most from burnout symptoms, but only when their teammates did not engage in much functional coping either. When their teammates did engage in much functional coping, the effect of exposure to danger on burnout was buffered. Hence, team members' coping efforts functioned as a resilience resource for these service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Kamphuis
- Department of Human Behaviour and Training, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, Netherlands
| | - Roos Delahaij
- Department of Human Behaviour and Training, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, Netherlands
| | - Thomas A de Vries
- Department of Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Pan L, Xu Q, Kuang X, Zhang X, Fang F, Gui L, Li M, Tefsen B, Zha L, Liu H. Prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:572. [PMID: 34781901 PMCID: PMC8591965 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant threats to both the physical and psychological health of healthcare workers working in the front-line combating COVID-19. However, studies regarding the medium to long term impact of COVID-19 on mental health among healthcare workers are limited. Therefore, we conducted this cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence, factors and impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 8 months after the end of the outbreak in Wuhan, China. METHODS A web-based questionnaire was delivered as a link via the communication application WeChat to those healthcare workers who worked at several COVID-19 units during the outbreak (from December 2019 to April 2020) in Wuhan, China. The questionnaire included questions on social-demographic data, the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCL-5), the family care index questionnaire (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve, APGAR), and the quality-of-life scale (QOL). The prevalence, risk and protective factors, and impact of PTSD on healthcare workers were subsequently analyzed. RESULTS Among the 659 participants, 90 healthcare workers were still suffering from PTSD 8 months after the end of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, in which avoidance and negative impact were the most affected dimensions. Suffering from chronic disease, experiencing social isolation, and job dissatisfaction came up as independent risk factors for PTSD, while obtaining COVID-19 related information at an appropriate frequency, good family function, and working in well-prepared mobile cabin hospitals served as protective factors. The impact of PTSD on COVID-19 exposed healthcare workers was apparent by shortened sleeping time, feeling of loneliness, poorer quality of life and intention to resign. CONCLUSIONS Eight months after the end of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, the level of PTSD in healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 was still high. Apart from the commonly recognized risk factors, comorbid chronic disease was identified as a new independent risk factor for developing PTSD. For countries where the pandemic is still ongoing or in case of future outbreaks of new communicable diseases, this study may contribute to preventing cases of PTSD in healthcare workers exposed to infectious diseases under such circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Pan
- grid.452929.10000 0004 8513 0241Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000 Anhui China
| | - Qiancheng Xu
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei China ,grid.452929.10000 0004 8513 0241Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000 Anhui China
| | - Xia Kuang
- grid.452929.10000 0004 8513 0241Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000 Anhui China
| | - Xiancui Zhang
- grid.452929.10000 0004 8513 0241Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2, West Road of Zheshan, Wuhu, 241000 Anhui China
| | - Fengxia Fang
- grid.452929.10000 0004 8513 0241Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000 Anhui China
| | - Liling Gui
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei China
| | - Mei Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Central Hospital of Wuhan Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074 Hubei China
| | - Boris Tefsen
- grid.488092.f0000 0004 8511 6423Ronin Institute, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
| | - Lei Zha
- Emergency and Critical Care Unit, Conch Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 327, Jiuhua Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China. .,Department of Biological Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Huan Liu
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No.2, West Road of Zheshan, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China.
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Steel C, Tehrani N, Lewis G, Billings J. Risk factors for complex posttraumatic stress disorder in UK police. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:351-357. [PMID: 34415342 PMCID: PMC8849141 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Police officers are frequently exposed to distressing and dangerous situations, increasing their risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Research examining C-PTSD in police officers is sparse, particularly examination of the occupational risk factors for trauma symptoms. Aims This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors for PTSD and C-PTSD in UK police officers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using psychological health surveillance data from the UK National Police Wellbeing Service. Police officers were either from high-risk areas of work or had been referred for screening by occupational health practitioners regarding psychological distress. The primary outcome for this study was a positive screening of either PTSD or C-PTSD, measured using the International Trauma Questionnaire. A range of occupational, clinical and lifestyle factors was examined to establish their role as potential risk factors for PTSD and C-PTSD. Results In total, 2444 UK police officers were included, with 89% from high-risk areas of work. A prevalence of 3% for PTSD and 2% for C-PTSD was found in police officers from high-risk areas of work. Higher work stress and lower manager support were found to increase the odds of C-PTSD but not PTSD. Higher personal trauma history increased the risk for PTSD and C-PTSD equally. Conclusions Work-related occupational factors increased the odds of PTSD and C-PTSD in police officers, which could be important risk factors for trauma symptoms within police officers. Efforts should be made to improve the working environment of police officers to help improve their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Steel
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - G Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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Mueller AK, Singh A, Webber MP, Hall CB, Prezant DJ, Zeig‐Owens R. PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and subjective cognitive concerns in WTC-exposed and non-WTC-exposed firefighters. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:803-814. [PMID: 34415073 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighting has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. We previously found that among Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) responders to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster, higher-intensity WTC-exposure predicted PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and subjective cognitive concerns. The present study aims to compare these symptoms in the FDNY WTC-exposed cohort versus a comparison cohort of non-FDNY, non-WTC-exposed firefighters. METHODS The study population included WTC-exposed male firefighters from FDNY (N = 8466) and non-WTC-exposed male firefighters from Chicago (N = 1195), Philadelphia (N = 770), and San Francisco (N = 650) fire departments who were employed on 9/11/2001 and completed a health questionnaire between 3/1/2018 and 12/31/2020. Current PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and subjective cognitive concerns were assessed via validated screening instruments. Multivariable linear regression analyses stratified by fire department estimated the impact of covariates on each outcome. RESULTS Adjusted mean PTSD symptom scores ranged from 23.5 ± 0.6 in Chicago firefighters to 25.8 ± 0.2 in FDNY, and adjusted mean depressive symptom scores ranged from 7.3 ± 0.5 in Chicago to 9.4 ± 0.6 in Philadelphia. WTC-exposure was associated with fewer subjective cognitive concerns (β = -0.69 ± 0.05, p < .001) after controlling for covariates. Across cohorts, older age was associated with more cognitive concerns, but fewer PTSD and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS WTC-exposed firefighters had fewer cognitive concerns compared with non-WTC-exposed firefighters. We were unable to estimate associations between WTC exposure and PTSD symptoms or depressive symptoms due to variability between non-WTC-exposed cohorts. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to assess PTSD, depressive, and cognitive symptom trajectories in firefighter populations as they age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K. Mueller
- Fire Department of the City of New York Bureau of Health Services Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonology Division Montefiore Medical Center Bronx New York USA
| | - Ankura Singh
- Fire Department of the City of New York Bureau of Health Services Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonology Division Montefiore Medical Center Bronx New York USA
| | - Mayris P. Webber
- Fire Department of the City of New York Bureau of Health Services Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - Charles B. Hall
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - David J. Prezant
- Fire Department of the City of New York Bureau of Health Services Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonology Division Montefiore Medical Center Bronx New York USA
| | - Rachel Zeig‐Owens
- Fire Department of the City of New York Bureau of Health Services Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonology Division Montefiore Medical Center Bronx New York USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
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Alshehri AS, Alghamdi AH. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Healthcare Workers Diagnosed With COVID-19 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2020 to 2021. Cureus 2021; 13:e17371. [PMID: 34584781 PMCID: PMC8457300 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a global problem. According to its definition, it is a disorder that occurs with some people who have undergone or witnessed a shocking, terrifying, or hazardous event, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with its consequent threats and fear meets the definition of a traumatic event. The main aim of this study is to determine PTSD in healthcare workers (HCWs) who survived COVID-19 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods Through an analytical cross-sectional study, HCWs working in Jeddah city with a minimum of seven days since their first positive COVID-19 result were included in this study. They were screened using the 'PTSD checklist for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)' (PCL-5), which is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms. Results Out of all respondents (n=404), there was slight dominance of females (54.0%) over males (46.0%), and an almost equal distribution of Saudis (51.2%) and non-Saudis (48.8%); their mean age accounted for 36.9±8.7 years. PTSD was detected in 14.9%; the prevalence was significantly higher in those who had chronic diseases (23.7%), especially diabetics (30.8%) and obesity (41.2%), HCWs whose job necessitates exposure to positive cases (18.8%), and those who were isolated in hospitals while being ill. All the above values were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion and recommendations The prevalence of PTSD in the HCWs who survived COVID-19 came within the range of that in HCWs who were dealing with cases of COVID-19 without being affected. Efforts should be made to alleviate stress in HCWs during their work in pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjed S Alshehri
- Directorate of Health Affairs for Public Health Division, Ministry of Health - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Amal H Alghamdi
- The Saudi Joint Program for Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, SAU
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Irizar P, Puddephatt JA, Gage SH, Fallon V, Goodwin L. The prevalence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use across trauma-exposed occupations: A meta-analysis and meta-regression. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108858. [PMID: 34214883 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma exposure is associated with hazardous and/or harmful alcohol use. Occupational groups frequently exposed to trauma may be at risk of alcohol harm. This meta-analysis determined the prevalence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use across trauma-exposed occupations and meta-regressions explored the impact of pre-defined covariates on the variance in prevalence estimates. METHOD Literature was searched from 2000 to March 2020, using Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they used a standardized measure of alcohol use (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)). Studies were excluded if they measured alcohol use following an isolated sentinel event (e.g., 9/11). The following occupations were included: first responders, health care workers, Armed Forces, war journalists and train drivers. RESULTS 1882 studies were identified; 55 studies were eligible. The pooled prevalence of hazardous use was 22% (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 17%-27%) and 11% (95% CI: 8%-14%) for harmful use. Hazardous alcohol use was significantly lower in health care workers (13%; 95% CI: 10%-16%) than first responders (26%; 95% CI: 20%-32%) and Armed Forces (34%; 95% CI: 18%-52%). There was marked heterogeneity across studies and higher prevalence rates in low-quality studies. The meta-regression identified higher proportion of males and younger mean age as predictors of variance. CONCLUSIONS Male-dominated occupations, such as police officers and military personnel, showed higher levels of hazardous and harmful alcohol use, indicating that interventions tailored specifically for these occupational groups may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Irizar
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne H Gage
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Fallon
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Coenen P, van der Molen HF. What work-related exposures are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder? A systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049651. [PMID: 34433603 PMCID: PMC8388294 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although there is evidence that work-related exposures cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are few quantitative studies assessing the degree to which these factors contribute to PTSD. This systematic review with meta-analysis identified work-related exposures associated with PTSD, and quantified their contribution to this disorder. METHODS We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, PILOTS and Web of Science (2005-10 September 2019) for longitudinal studies on work-related exposures and PTSD. We described included articles, and conducted meta-analyses for exposures with sufficient homogeneous information. We performed subgroup analyses for risk of bias, study design and PTSD ascertainment. We assessed evidence quality using Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation, and estimated population attributable fractions. RESULTS After screening 8590 records, we selected 33 studies (n=5 719 236). From what was moderate quality evidence at best, we identified various work-related exposures that were associated with PTSD, mainly involving individuals in the military and first responder (eg, police or fire brigade) occupations. These exposures included the number of army deployments (OR: 1.15 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.16)), combat exposure (OR 1.89 (95% CI 1.46 to 2.45)), army deployment (OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.45 to 2.21)) and confrontation with death (OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.41 to 1.90)). Effects were robust across subgroups and exposures attributed modestly (7%-34%) to PTSD. We identified additional exposures in other occupations, including life threats, being present during an attack, and hearing about a colleague's trauma. CONCLUSIONS We identified various work-related exposures associated with PTSD and quantified their contribution. While exposure assessment, PTSD ascertainment and inconsistency may have biased our findings, our data are of importance for development of preventive interventions and occupational health guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Coenen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk F van der Molen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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