Abstract
Background: Working in direct contact with mass casualties is stressful. Studies on the impact of exposure to mass casualties over a prolonged period of time are sparse due to logistical reasons. The current paper studies the impacts of prolonged conflict and exposure to mass casualties among Iraqi health professionals in Kirkuk. Method: The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was randomly distributed among staff of a teaching Hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq. Fifty nine health professionals returned the questionnaires. Of those who responded, 24 health professionals were from the surgical casualty department, 20 were employed in the mortuary and 15 were serving in medical wards not directly dealing with surgical incidents. Results: The impact of handling mass casualties has affected both genders and all age groups. There was a higher incidence of depression among females. Overall, the DASS score was highest among mortuary staff and lowest among medical ward health professionals who were not directly in contact with casualties. Conclusion: Health professionals exposed to mass casualties, especially those dealing directly with them, are likely to suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Monitoring their mental health will assist to minimise the psychological distress associated with their occupations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljpsyc.v5i1.6506 SL J Psychiatry 2014; 5 (1): 7-9
Highlights
Health professionals serve in one of the most challenging and stressful professions
Respondents were categorized as showing signs of depression, anxiety or stress if they met the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) score for at least the ‘mild’ category in the respective domain
The findings suggest that the severity of the distress experienced by health professionals is more in those in direct contact with war casualties
Summary
Health professionals serve in one of the most challenging and stressful professions. These high levels of stress are enhanced in an environment of constant conflict such as the Iraq war (2003-2011), where adverse health consequences were profound [1]. Staff of a teaching Hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq which receives and manages mass casualties from the Iraq war. The current paper studies the impacts of prolonged conflict and exposure to mass casualties among Iraqi health professionals in Kirkuk. Fifty nine health professionals returned the questionnaires Of those who responded, 24 health professionals were from the surgical casualty department, 20 were employed in the mortuary and 15 were serving in medical wards not directly dealing with surgical incidents
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