The role of individual factors in the mental health of NHS ambulance personnel
Lucy Catherine Hutchinson, Mark J Forshaw, Helen Poole
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Background:
An estimated 27% of ambulance personnel experience general psychological distress. The relationship between work and mental health is complex.
Aims:
This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent individual factors affect the mental health of ambulance personnel.
Methods:
Four UK NHS ambulance trusts facilitated recruitment of ambulance personnel (<em>n</em>=160). Well-validated measures were used to collect data on the predictor variables: the Perceived Stress Scale; the Satisfaction with Life Scale; and the Brief Resilience Scale. Mental health, assessed according to response to trauma measured by the Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-r), and anxiety and depression, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were the outcome measures.
Findings:
Regression models demonstrated that all predictor variables accounted for nearly half of the variance in each outcome <em>(P</em><0.01).
Conclusions:
A significant proportion of variance was accounted for by individual factors. This assists in understanding the impact and role of individual factors in the mental health of this occupational group. Future research could inform intervention development.
Subscribe to get full access to the Journal of Paramedic Practice
Thank you for vising the Journal of Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.
CPD Focus
Reading the Journal of Paramedic Practice counts towards your professional development
Develop your career
We provide professional information dedicated to paramedics covering training, education and jobs
Stay informed
Get the latest clinical information to ensure you are aware of the latest think and best practice in paramedicne
Subscribe now
Already registered? - Sign in here