An Analysis of Psychiatric Morbidity and Its Related Factors in Ambulance Workers

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Ambulance workers belong to a high-risk occupational group, facing constant threats to their health and lives. Therefore, they are prone to mental health problems such as burnout, depression, and anxiety. A review of the literature has shown a scarcity of data concerning the magnitude and predictors of these psychiatric morbidities among Nigerian ambulance workers. In this study, we intended to determine the prevalence of burnout, the prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety, as well as the relationship between burnout, depression, and anxiety among ambulance workers in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 94 ambulance workers who were chosen using systematic random sampling. Copies of questionnaire used were the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, as well as a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: Mean scores ± standard deviation for burnout were emotional exhaustion (EE) 12 ± 9, depersonalization (DP) 7 ± 3, and personal achievement (PA) 36 ± 12. Furthermore, 12%, 34%, and 61% of the sample had high EE, high DP, and low PA, respectively. The prevalence of 34% and 52% was reported for depression and anxiety, respectively. Predisposing factors for depression were significantly to be female gender (p < 0.05), being married (p = 0.01), junior cadre (p < 0.05), and EE (p = 0.001). For anxiety, junior cadre (p < 0.01), EE (p < 0.01), and PA (p = 0.001) were predisposing factors. Conclusion: Ambulance workers suffer from diverse forms of psychiatric morbidities which have long-term effects on their mental health. There is a need for more support systems for ambulance workers to avert the occurrence of emotional problems in them.