The Relationship between Occupational Stress and Depression in Emergency Medical Technicians: Post-Corona Consideration

The COVID-19 pandemic caused depression by creating constant occupational stress. Depression can be one of the most important complications after corona.

The present study was performed with aim to investigate the relationship between occupational stress and depression in emergency medical technicians (EMTs) when facing the patients with suspected COVID-19 after corona peak.

This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with the participation of 205 EMTs at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran, 2022. Sampling was done using convenience methods. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, Goldberg depression scale, and House and Rizzo's Work Stress Scale.

The mean of occupational stress and depression were 45.80±6.480 (Range 15-75) and 34.92±19.21 (Range 0-90), respectively. Occupational stress has a positive and significant relationship with depression (r=0.189, p=0.009). Also, Logistic regression showed the level of education (OR=0.577, p=0.029) and employment status (OR=0.647, p=0.050) were identified as protective of occupational stress and the number of children (OR=0.433, p=0.021) identified as a protective factor of depression in EMTs when facing patients with suspected COVID-19.

Implications for Practice: 

This study showed that occupational stress is related to increased depression in EMTs. In addition, some demographic factors protect these disorders. Therefore, it is suggested to pay more attention to psychological symptoms and influencing factors in EMTs post-COVID-19 era. Also, psychological recovery skills should be improved in continuing professional development policy.