Predictors of Mental Health Outcomes in Grocery Store Workers amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and Implications for Workplace Safety and Moral Injury.

Melissa Janson,Daniel A. del Cid,Jill D. Sharkey

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168675

Melissa Janson, Daniel A. del Cid + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168675

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Abstract

Limited research exists on the mental health (MH) of grocery store workers (GSWs), who have been on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. A disaster MH conceptual model incorporating demographics, disaster exposure and threat (COVID-19 fear and workplace threat perception), perceived stress, and social support (lack of from family and friends) was utilized to predict MH outcomes (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms; PTSS) of GSWs. GSWs (n = 842) were recruited through a regional union in California. The participants were diverse (62.1% female) and were 18–69 years of age (M = 41.5, SD = 13.9). They completed an online survey regarding COVID-19 fear, workplace threat perception, perceived stress, lack of social support, and workplace needs/recommendations for support. Three hierarchical linear regression models were run assessing each MH outcome. Thematic analysis coding and an inductive approach were utilized for analyzing open-ended responses of workplace needs/recommendations. Females and younger GSWs (ages 18–29 years old) on average, reported higher MH symptoms than males and older age groups, respectively. COVID-19 fear and perceived stress were significant predictors of anxiety, while COVID-19 fear, workplace threat perception, and perceived stress significantly predicted depression and PTSS, explaining almost half of the variance for each model. Social support and demographics were not predictive of MH outcomes. Almost half of GSWs (40%) requested increased safety protections in the workplace. Feelings of fear of COVID-19, threat in the workplace, and overall perceived stress are predictive of GSWs’ MH outcomes. Increasing feelings of safety in the workplace and reducing stress may lessen MH symptoms.

Highlights

Grocery store workers (GSWs) have worked on the frontlines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and can be considered the “unexpected, but under protected . . .heroes” during this time [1] (p. 2006)
GSWs have worked on the frontlines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and little is understood about how experiences of fear, threat, perceived stress, and social support impact their mental health (MH)
This study provides a snapshot into MH outcomes at a particular time during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are limitations to what can be inferred long-term

Summary

Introduction

Grocery store workers (GSWs) have worked on the frontlines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and can be considered the “unexpected, but under protected . . .heroes” during this time [1] (p. 2006). GSWs may be comprised of vulnerable individuals from low-income and racially diverse backgrounds, which may contribute to social and health inequities [2] Essential workers such as GSWs may be treated as replaceable, which may contribute to a lack of efforts being made to establish clear legal protections or safety guidelines in the workplace without repercussions [1]. This past winter, GSWs in California and throughout the U.S faced rising COVID-19 cases. There have been close to four million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 64,328 deaths in California, as of 10

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Discussion

Conclusion