Workplace Factors, Burnout Signs, and Clinical Mental Health Symptoms among Mental Health Workers in Lombardy and Quebec during the First Wave of COVID-19

Abstract

Several research contributions have depicted the impact of the pandemic environment on healthcare and social care personnel. Even though the high prevalence of burnout depression and anxiety in healthcare settings before COVID-19 has been well documented in the research, the recent increase in psychological distress and mental health issues in healthcare and mental health workers should be attributed to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study is to develop, evaluate, and compare a model of COVID-19 workplace stressors between two different territories, the Italian region of Lombardy and the Canadian province of Quebec. Within this model, burnout is depicted as the strongest determinant of mental health symptoms for mental health workers. In turn, the main workplace determinants of burnout are the perception of a lack of support from the organization and the fear of contracting COVID-19 at work. Findings also provide insights for designing interventions to promote and protect mental health workers in the context of the pandemic. In conclusion, it is necessary to monitor burnout and carefully analyze elements of organizational culture, in addition to offering clinical and psychological care for those in need.

Keywords: COVID-19; anxiety; burnout; depression; health workers; mental health service; work context.

Figure 1

Hypothesized conceptual model of COVID-19 stressors, burnout signs, and clinical mental health symptoms.

Figure 2

The path analysis model, Lombardy sample. Rectangular boxes = observed variables; oval boxes = latent variables; arrows = regression paths; number = standardized parameter estimates.

Figure 3

The path analysis model, Quebec sample. Rectangular boxes = observed variables; oval boxes = latent variables; arrows = regression paths; number = standardized parameter estimates.