Associations between exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events and mental ill health among New Zealand firefighters: A cross-sectional study

IF 4.3 2区医学 Q1 PSYCHIATRY

Comprehensive psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-03-29 DOI:10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152595

Lisa Mackay , Jessica L. Campbell , Josh Darby , Kate Pendergast , Grant Schofield

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Fire and emergency services personnel face unique occupational hazards, including repeated exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs), which can impact their mental health. Despite growing awareness, comprehensive data on the mental health of fire and emergency services personnel in New Zealand remains sparse.

Purpose

This study examined the prevalence of symptoms of mental health disorders, including PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and assessed the association between PPTE exposure, coping mechanisms, and mental ill health among New Zealand firefighters and commanders.

Methods

A comprehensive online survey using the Qualtrics platform was administered to fire and emergency personnel, assessing exposure to PPTEs and various mental health parameters. The survey utilized standard assessment tools including the PHQ-9, GAD-7, SPRINT, and AUDIT-C alongside measures of life satisfaction, emotional numbing and demographic questions.

Main findings

The prevalence of symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (24 %), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (13 %), and probable PTSD (13 %) among 1264 fire and emergency personnel are higher than those observed in the general population. High exposure to PPTEs was associated with higher odds of reporting moderate-to-severe symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and probable PTSD. Also of note were findings revealing a high prevalence of potentially hazardous drinking patterns (68 %).

Conclusions

Highlights a critical need for effective mental ill health prevention and support programs tailored to fire and emergency personnel, considering their high exposure to PPTEs and elevated risk of experiencing symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD

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新西兰消防员暴露于潜在心理创伤事件与精神疾病之间的关系：一项横断面研究

背景：消防和应急服务人员面临独特的职业危害，包括反复接触可能影响其心理健康的潜在心理创伤事件（ppte）。尽管越来越多的人意识到这一点，但关于新西兰消防和紧急服务人员心理健康的全面数据仍然很少。目的研究新西兰消防员和指挥员的PTSD、重度抑郁症和广泛性焦虑症等心理健康障碍的患病率，并评估PPTE暴露、应对机制和心理健康状况之间的关系。方法采用qualics平台对消防和急救人员进行综合在线调查，评估暴露于ppte和各种心理健康参数。该调查使用了标准的评估工具，包括PHQ-9、GAD-7、SPRINT和AUDIT-C，以及生活满意度、情感麻木和人口统计问题的测量。在1264名消防和急救人员中，重度抑郁症（24%）、广泛性焦虑症（13%）和可能的创伤后应激障碍（13%）的患病率高于普通人群。高暴露于ppte与报告中度至重度抑郁症、广泛性焦虑症和可能的创伤后应激障碍症状的几率较高相关。同样值得注意的是，调查结果显示，潜在危险的饮酒模式非常普遍（68%）。结论：考虑到消防和急救人员高暴露于ppte和经历重度抑郁症、广泛性焦虑症和创伤后应激障碍症状的高风险，迫切需要有效的精神疾病预防和支持方案

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Comprehensive psychiatry 医学-精神病学

CiteScore

12.50

自引率

1.40%

发文量

审稿时长

29 days

期刊介绍： "Comprehensive Psychiatry" is an open access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the field of psychiatry and mental health. Its primary mission is to share the latest advancements in knowledge to enhance patient care and deepen the understanding of mental illnesses. The journal is supported by a diverse team of international editors and peer reviewers, ensuring the publication of high-quality research with a strong focus on clinical relevance and the implications for psychopathology. "Comprehensive Psychiatry" encourages authors to present their research in an accessible manner, facilitating engagement with clinicians, policymakers, and the broader public. By embracing an open access policy, the journal aims to maximize the global impact of its content, making it readily available to a wide audience and fostering scientific collaboration and public awareness beyond the traditional academic community. This approach is designed to promote a more inclusive and informed dialogue on mental health, contributing to the overall progress in the field.