ENACT study: what has helped health and social care workers maintain their mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Nicola Cogan*, Chloe Kennedy, Zoe Beck, Lisa McInnes, Gillian MacIntyre, Liza Morton, Gary Tanner, Jacek Kolacz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
36 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A growing body of research has highlighted the adverse impact of COVID-19 stressors on health and social care workers' (HSCWs) mental health. Complementing this work, we report on the psychosocial factors that have had both a positive and negative impact on the mental well-being of HSCWs during the third lockdown period in Scotland. Using a cross-sectional design, participants (n = 1364) completed an online survey providing quantitative data and free open-text responses. A multi-method approach to analysis was used. The majority of HSCWs were found to have low well-being scores, high levels of COVID-19 stress, worry, burnout and risk perception scores and almost half of HSCWs met the clinical cut-off for acute stress (indicative of PTSD). HSCWs with higher scores on adaptive coping strategies and team resilience reported higher scores on mental well-being. HSCWs were significantly more likely to seek informal support for dealing with personal or emotional problems compared to formal supports. Barriers to formal help-seeking were identified including stigma and fear of the consequences of disclosure. HSCWs mostly valued peer support, workplace supports, visible leadership and teamwork in maintaining their mental well-being. Our findings illuminate the complexity of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HSCWs' well-being and will inform future intervention development seeking to increase positive adaptation and improve staff well-being. Addressing barriers to mental health help-seeking among HSCWs is essential. The implications emphasise the importance of lessons learned across health and social care contexts, planning and preparedness for future pandemics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e6656-e6673
Number of pages18
JournalHealth and Social Care in the Community
Volume30
Issue number6
Early online date6 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Sept 2022

Keywords

  • adaptation
  • COVID-19
  • health and social care workers
  • help-seeking
  • mental health
  • peer support
  • well-being

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