Prevalence and predictors of mental distress among Italian Red Cross auxiliary corps: A cross-sectional evaluation after deployment in anti-COVID-19 operations.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Prevalence and predictors of mental distress among Italian Red Cross auxiliary corps: A cross-sectional evaluation after deployment in anti-COVID-19 operations.
Authors: Tarchi, Livio (AUTHOR), Crescenzo, Pietro (AUTHOR), Talamonti, Kristian (AUTHOR)
Source: Military Psychology. Sep/Oct2023, Vol. 35 Issue 5, p394-407. 14p.
Subjects: Mental illness risk factors, Psychiatric epidemiology, COVID-19, Cross-sectional method, Risk assessment, Red Cross & Red Crescent, Disease prevalence, Questionnaires, Mental depression, Pathological psychology, Anxiety, Psychological distress
Geographic Terms: Italy
Abstract: The aim of the present study is to describe the prevalence and individual predictors of mental distress (anxiety, depression, and burnout) in a sample of volunteers engaged in emergency services. A total of 823 volunteers enrolled in the Red Cross auxiliary corps were surveyed between 28 June 2021 and 28 August 2021 (299 men and 524 women). After deployment in anti-COVID-19 operations, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Big Five Inventory through an online platform. A moderately severe risk of depression was found in 1.70% of the sample. A severe risk for anxiety disorders was found in 1.82%. A high risk for emotional exhaustion was found in 3.40%, depersonalization in 12.88%, and low personal accomplishment in 7.53%. Women showed a higher risk of both depression and anxiety in comparison to males. Personality factors were significant predictors for all dimensions. In contrast to the current literature, openness was found to be a predisposing personality factor in developing burnout dimensions. The relevance of the current findings for the development of effective screening tools before the deployment of reserve forces during medical crises is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Military Psychology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:The aim of the present study is to describe the prevalence and individual predictors of mental distress (anxiety, depression, and burnout) in a sample of volunteers engaged in emergency services. A total of 823 volunteers enrolled in the Red Cross auxiliary corps were surveyed between 28 June 2021 and 28 August 2021 (299 men and 524 women). After deployment in anti-COVID-19 operations, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Big Five Inventory through an online platform. A moderately severe risk of depression was found in 1.70% of the sample. A severe risk for anxiety disorders was found in 1.82%. A high risk for emotional exhaustion was found in 3.40%, depersonalization in 12.88%, and low personal accomplishment in 7.53%. Women showed a higher risk of both depression and anxiety in comparison to males. Personality factors were significant predictors for all dimensions. In contrast to the current literature, openness was found to be a predisposing personality factor in developing burnout dimensions. The relevance of the current findings for the development of effective screening tools before the deployment of reserve forces during medical crises is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:08995605
DOI:10.1080/08995605.2022.2069983