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Investigation of Psychological Stress and Sleep Quality of Emergency Medical Technicians in Taiwan Fire Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Chiao-Yin Cheng

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan
    Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan)

  • Jen-Tang Sun

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, Yilan 266, Taiwan)

  • Hung-Pin Chang

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan)

  • Yen-Lin Chen

    (Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Medical Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan)

  • Dee Pei

    (Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan)

  • Yao-Jen Liang

    (Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan)

Abstract

When the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began to ravage the world in 2019, the World Health Organization became concerned. The epidemic has a high mortality and contagion rate, with severe health and psychological impacts on frontline emergency medical service system practitioners. There are many hospital staff surveys, but few have covered the stress among emergency medical technicians. DASS-21, PSQI, and AUDIT questionnaires were used to evaluate the sources of psychological stress factors of firefighters in Taiwan. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the questionnaire content. We conducted questionnaire surveys from May 2022 to July 2022. Our sample comprised 688 participants. The odds ratios of increased depression, anxiety, and stress levels due to reduced family or peer understanding and support were 2.72 (95% CI: 1.50–4.92), p = 0.001; 2.03 (95% CI: 1.11–3.68), p = 0.021; and 3.27 (95% CI: 1.83–5.86), p < 0.001, respectively. The odds ratios of poor sleep quality due to depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels were 5.04 (3.18–7.99), p < 0.001; 2.44 (95% CI: 1.57–3.81), p < 0.001; and 4.34 (95% CI: 2.76–6.82), p -value < 0.001, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, poor sleep quality and a lack of understanding and support from the Taiwan firefighting agency staff, family, or peers resulted in increased depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiao-Yin Cheng & Jen-Tang Sun & Hung-Pin Chang & Yen-Lin Chen & Dee Pei & Yao-Jen Liang, 2022. "Investigation of Psychological Stress and Sleep Quality of Emergency Medical Technicians in Taiwan Fire Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2022:i:1:p:137-:d:1011376
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bossarte, R.M. & Knox, K.L. & Piegari, R. & Altieri, J. & Kemp, J. & Katz, I.R., 2012. "Prevalence and characteristics of suicide ideation and attempts among active military and veteran participants in a national health survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(S1), pages 38-40.
    2. Yeoun Soo Kim-Godwin & Meen Hye Lee & Jeongok G. Logan & Xiaoyue Liu, 2021. "Factors Influencing Sleep Quality among Female Staff Nurses during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-10, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    EMS; DASS-21; PSQI; firefighter; COVID-19;
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