Factors Predicting Death Depression of Emergency Medical Technicians in Iran

Abstract

Background: Psychological problems such as death depression can have adverse effects on Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) including reduced quality of medical services, job dissatisfaction, feelings of incompetence, depression, and reduced job values. Objective: This study aims to determine the factors predicting death depression of EMTs in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2019, participants were 125 eligible EMTs in hospitals affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in Qazvin, Iran. Templer’s Death Depression Scale (DDS) and a demographic form were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The mean±SD DDS score was reported 4.73±2.93. Most of subjects (n=79, 63.2%) had low death depression. According to the results of linear regression analysis, “number of resuscitation attempts in the last 3 months”, “organizational position” and “history of depression” were the predictors of death depression (P<0.05). In total, the regression model predicts 9% of the variance in death depression. Conclusion: Death depression of EMTs in Iran is low. Due to the importance of mental health in medical staff in providing quality clinical services, it is recommended that further studies should be conducted in this area using a larger sample size