Challenges facing essential workers: a cross-sectional survey of the subjective mental health and well-being of New Zealand healthcare and ‘other’ essential workers during the COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare psychological outcomes, experiences and sources of stress over the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand in essential workers (healthcare and ‘other’ essential workers) with that of workers in nonessential work roles.DesignOnline cross-sectional survey.SettingConducted in New Zealand over level 4 lockdown in April/May 2020.ParticipantsFindings from employed participants (2495) are included in this report; 381 healthcare workers, 649 ‘other’ essential workers and 1465 nonessential workers.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMeasures included psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)), well-being (WHO-5), alcohol use, subjective experiences and sources of stress. Differences between work categories were quantified as risk ratios or χ2 tests.ResultsAfter controlling for confounders that differed between groups of essential and nonessential workers, those in healthcare and those in ‘other’ essential work were at 71% (95% CI 1.29 to 2.27) and 59% (95% CI 1.25 to 2.02) greater risk respectively, of moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10), than those in nonessential work. Those in healthcare were at 19% (95% CI 1.02 to 1.39) greater risk of poor well-being (WHO-5 <13). There was no evidence of differences across work roles in risk for psychological distress (K10 ≥12) or increased alcohol use. Healthcare and ‘other’ essential workers reported increased workload (p<0.001) and less uncertainty about finances and employment than those in nonessential work (p<0.001). Healthcare and nonessential workers reported decreased social contact. No difference by work category in health concerns was reported; 15% had concerns about participants’ own health and 33% about other people’s health.ConclusionsDuring the pandemic lockdown, essential workers (those in healthcare and those providing ‘other’ essential work) were at increased risk of anxiety compared with those in nonessential work, with those in healthcare also being at increased risk of poor well-being. This highlights the need to recognise the challenges this vital workforce face in pandemics.

Mixed-Methods Survey of Healthcare Workers’ Experiences of Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Aotearoa/New Zealand

“…Our findings reflect observations elsewhere [25,26]; a survey conducted in April-May 2020 in Melbourne (Australia) showed marked levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among healthcare workers, despite the relatively low levels of COVID-19 exposure [26]. In NZ, a survey of healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 71% were at a greater risk of moderate levels of anxiety than non-essential workers [27].…”

The impact of workplace safety and customer misbehavior on supermarket workers' stress and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…, 2021), while coping with new and extreme workplace stressors (Carnevale and Hatak, 2020). Tasked with the unexpected responsibility of reducing possible health hazards for customers and coworkers, the stress and anxiety of frontline work has been substantial (Mayer et al , 2022; Bell et al. , 2021; Czeisler et al.…”

“…Supermarket personnel were required to take on additional roles to educate staff and customers as well as implement operational changes such as one-way traffic in stores and enhanced cleaning protocols (Shumsky et al, 2021), while coping with new and extreme workplace stressors (Carnevale and Hatak, 2020). Tasked with the unexpected responsibility of reducing possible health hazards for customers and coworkers, the stress and anxiety of frontline work has been substantial (Mayer et al, 2022;Bell et al, 2021;Czeisler et al, 2020). The impacts of these stressors are not yet well understood, emphasizing the need to track the well-being of this frequently overlooked socioeconomically vulnerable workforce, as the extant literature on COVID-19 exposure risks and health consequences among frontline workers neglects hazards specific to non-healthcare occupations.…”

COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown and Wellbeing: Experiences from Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020

“…While the stringent lockdowns led to prolonged success in eliminating COVID-19 during 2020, this came with a psychological toll [ 47 , 48 , 49 ], particularly amongst those with pre-existing mental health conditions [ 48 , 50 ], youth [ 51 ] and younger adults [ 50 ], and essential workers [ 52 ]. This psychological toll was seen in increased overdose and self-harm hospital presentations and significant increases in ambulance callouts nationally for mental health conditions over lockdown [ 53 , 54 ].…”