Alessandra Perra, Viviana Forte, Federico Contu, Elisa Cantone, Michela Atzeni, Antonio Egidio Nardi, Mauro Giovanni Carta
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: To examine changes in mental health workers' (MHWs) perceptions of human rights protection and job satisfaction before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy (Sardinia).
Study design: Comparative analysis of three cross-sectional surveys conducted at different time points.
Methods: Three cross-sectional surveys were carried out among MHWs working in community mental health services in Italy (Sardinia) in 2019 (pre-COVID), 2022 (during COVID), and 2025 (post-COVID). Participants completed the Well-Being at Work and Respect for Human Rights Questionnaire (WWRR). Items 1 to 6 (Likert scale 1-6) assessed job satisfaction and perceived respect for human rights, while item 7 evaluated perceived staff shortages. Comparisons across surveys were performed using ANOVA and χ² tests.
Results: The samples included 126 MHWs in 2019, 240 in 2022, and 101 in 2025. The proportion of older staff increased significantly over time (p < .001). Satisfaction with work and organizational aspects improved across the three periods, along with perceptions of respect for users' and staff human rights. Satisfaction with available resources peaked in 2022 and declined in the post-pandemic period. The perceived need for psychologists and rehabilitation professionals remained consistently high, while the perceived shortage of nurses and physicians decreased over time.
Conclusions: Perceived respect for human rights and job satisfaction among MHWs showed a sustained improvement after the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the resilience of Italy's community psychiatry model. Ongoing concerns regarding resources underscore the need for renewed investment in human capital.
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities.
Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas.
The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.
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