Stress, anxiety, and depression levels among paramedical prehospital personnel (road and city bases): in time of performing mission for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND: Paramedical personnel are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients and function in a high-stress environment, contributing to the development of psychological distress. The present study aimed to examine levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among prehospital paramedics caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 72 prehospital emergency centers (city and road) affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Using the standard DASS-21 Questionnaire, levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed in paramedics (N.=254). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean, SD, frequency, percentage) and analytic statistics such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. Statistical analysis was performed through SPSS 20 (IMB, Armonk, NY, USA).RESULTS: The mean scores for depression (6.30±4.91), stress (8.71±4.73) and anxiety (5.32±5.23) in paramedical personnel were at moderate levels. A significant difference was observed when considering level of education, work experience, work position and duty hours per month (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital professionals are more exposed to numerous stressors, including the emotional strain of direct patient care, dangerous working conditions, and a higher workload as compared with other occupations, especially during this pandemic. Periodic mental health assessment of paramedics can play an important role in improving the quality of services provided to their communities, particularly during challenging times.