Economic Inflation and Occupational Stress: Understanding Psychological Distress Among Healthcare Workers

Mohsen  Arabi; Hoda  Borooghani; Mohammad Amin  Abbasi; Mitra Kazemi  Jahromi

doi:10.18502/acta.v63i3.19716

Mohsen Arabi Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hoda Borooghani School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Amin Abbasi Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Firoozabadi Hospital Clinical Research Development Unit (FHCRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mitra Kazemi Jahromi Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v63i3.19716

Keywords: Financial instability; Economic crisis; Kessler psychological distress scale (K10); Mental health; Stress and anxiety; Occupational stress

Abstract

Economic Inflation has placed a unique burden on healthcare workers, increasing psychological distress and changing their professional experiences. This study assesses levels of stress and anxiety in healthcare workers, namely medical interns, nurses, and paramedics, before and after the economic crisis, while exploring factors that influence their mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 healthcare workers in a hospital in Tehran, Iran. They completed a questionnaire containing the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) about their stress before and after the crisis, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Some demographic characteristics, such as occupation title, marital status, gender, and age, have been explored in order to find their possible relation to the variation of anxiety state. The study exposed different responses to stress among professional groups. Medical interns showed the highest increase in stress level (55.4%), while paramedics (16%) and nurses showed comparatively stable levels (8.9%). Marital status significantly influenced anxiety; married respondents exhibited a higher increase in stress level (40%) compared with singles (26%, P=0.04). No significant associations were found between changes in stress level and age (P=0.12) or sex (P=0.07). 35.5% of participants showed an improvement in stress levels, while 30% experienced a worsening, and 34.5% did not change significantly. These findings underline the huge psychological impact of the financial instability on healthcare workers, hence the need to emphasize targeted mental health interventions. Programs focusing on stress management, resilience building, and professional support are crucial for enhancing the well-being of healthcare professionals during economic crises.