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Differences in Coping Strategies and Help-Seeking Behaviours among Australian Junior and Senior Doctors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Amy Pascoe

    (Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia)

  • Eldho Paul

    (Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
    Clinical Haematology Department, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Australia)

  • Douglas Johnson

    (Departments of General Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville 3050, Australia
    Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Australia)

  • Mark Putland

    (Department of Emergency Services, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia
    Department of Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia)

  • Karen Willis

    (School of Public Health, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
    Division of Critical Care and Investigative Services, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia)

  • Natasha Smallwood

    (Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Prahran 3004, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital medical staff (HMS) have faced significant personal, workplace, and financial disruption. Many have experienced psychosocial burden, exceeding already concerning baseline levels. This study examines the types and predictors of coping strategies and help-seeking behaviours utilised by Australian junior and senior HMS during the first year of the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of Australian frontline healthcare workers was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Data collected included demographics, personal and workplace disruptions, self-reported and validated mental health symptoms, coping strategies, and help-seeking. Results: The 9518 participants included 1966 hospital medical staff (62.1% senior, 37.9% junior). Both groups experienced a high burden of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and burnout. Coping strategies varied by seniority, with maintaining exercise the most common strategy for both groups. Adverse mental health was associated with increased alcohol consumption. Engagement with professional support, although more frequent among junior staff, was uncommon in both groups. Conclusions: Junior and senior staff utilised different coping and help-seeking behaviours. Despite recognition of symptoms, very few HMS engaged formal support. The varied predictors of coping and help-seeking identified may inform targeted interventions to support these cohorts in current and future crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy Pascoe & Eldho Paul & Douglas Johnson & Mark Putland & Karen Willis & Natasha Smallwood, 2021. "Differences in Coping Strategies and Help-Seeking Behaviours among Australian Junior and Senior Doctors during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:13275-:d:704065
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Natasha Smallwood & Amy Pascoe & Leila Karimi & Karen Willis, 2021. "Moral Distress and Perceived Community Views Are Associated with Mental Health Symptoms in Frontline Health Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Natasha Smallwood & Amy Pascoe & Leila Karimi & Marie Bismark & Karen Willis, 2021. "Occupational Disruptions during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Healthcare Workers’ Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Milena Adina Man & Claudia Toma & Nicoleta Stefania Motoc & Octavia Luiza Necrelescu & Cosmina Ioana Bondor & Ana Florica Chis & Andrei Lesan & Carmen Monica Pop & Doina Adina Todea & Elena Dantes & R, 2020. "Disease Perception and Coping with Emotional Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Among Medical Staff," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-12, July.
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    2. Joanna Chwaszcz & Michał Wiechetek & Rafał P. Bartczuk & Iwona Niewiadomska & Patrycja Wośko, 2022. "Determinants of Quality of Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation among Persons Using Psychological Help at Various Stages of the Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-14, May.
    3. Ngqabutho Moyo & Anita D. Bhappu & Moment Bhebhe & Farai Ncube, 2022. "Perceived Risk of COVID-19 and Employee Decision-Making: How Psychological Distress during the Pandemic Increases Negative Performance Outcomes among Healthcare Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-16, June.
    4. Sophie Harris & Elizabeth Jenkinson & Edward Carlton & Tom Roberts & Jo Daniels, 2021. "“It’s Been Ugly”: A Large-Scale Qualitative Study into the Difficulties Frontline Doctors Faced across Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-19, December.
    5. Chorom Lee & Byungyoon Yun & Won-Tae Lee & Juho Sim & Chi-Nyon Kim & Jong-Uk Won & Jin-Ha Yoon, 2022. "Resilience and Depressive Symptoms among Medical Staff in a Military Hospital Dedicated to the Treatment of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-10, September.

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