‘Stressed, uncomfortable, vulnerable, neglected’: a qualitative study of the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK frontline keyworkers.

Abstract

Aims: Non-healthcare keyworkers face distinct occupational vulnerabilities that have received little consideration within broader debates about ‘essential’ work and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and wellbeing of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK.Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services and the police force. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. Results: Keyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient PPE and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment. Conclusion: In efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (e.g. seasonal influenza) in the future. This includes the provision of psychological and workplace measures attending to the intersections of personal vulnerability and work conditions that cause unique risks and challenges among those in frontline keyworker occupations.

Longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement during and following the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

“…Despite this, young people were more likely to have engaged in the arts than adults aged 30-59. This working age group may have faced challenges around childcare whilst working, reducing time available for leisure [19,20].…”

“…Some of these activities were publicly visible, such as the proliferation of rainbow drawings amongst families in the UK to support frontline health professionals and key workers and to spread hope [23,24]. It is possible that individuals living with children had decreasing levels of arts engagement throughout the pandemic due to burnout and difficulties sustaining a balance between work, childcare, schooling, and other responsibilities [19,20]. Whilst previous studies have shown that people living in remote areas are more likely to engage in the arts [2,25], we found no associations between living area and longitudinal patterns of arts engagement.…”

“You’re just there, alone in your room with your thoughts” A qualitative study about the impact of lockdown among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Experienced, postgraduate, male and female, qualitative health researchers conducted all interviews (AB, AM, JD, RC, SE, TM, LB). All interviewers have previously carried out interviews about mental health and social life during the COVID-19 pandemic for other CSS research work (Aughterson et al, 2021; Burton et al, 2020; May et al, 2021).…”

Social ties, fears and bias during the COVID-19 pandemic: Fragile and flexible mindsets

“…Results showed that people globally experienced various OFCs, ranging from (1) altruistic to (2) relatively more biased. Altruistic OFCs involve worries about infecting or offending others, which are frequently expressed among the general population, non-health workers and medical professionals (May et al 2021;Fisher et al 2021;Shanafelt et al 2020). Biased OFC was also observed among the general population and medical professionals and was often complemented by obsessive distress appraisals, rumours and stigma.…”