Government Document

Symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation among state, tribal, local, and territorial public health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: United States, March-April 2021

Bryant-Genevier, J., Rao, C.Y., Lopes-Cardozo, B., Kone, A., Rose, C., Thomas, I., ... Byrkit, R.

Year: 2021 Source: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2021). 70, 947–952. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7026e1external icon. SIEC No: 20210592

Summary
What is already known about this topic?

Increases in mental health conditions have been documented among the general population and health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, data on public health workers are limited.

What is added by this report?

Among 26,174 surveyed state, tribal, local, and territorial public health workers, 53.0% reported symptoms of at least one mental health condition in the past 2 weeks. Symptoms were more prevalent among those who were unable to take time off or worked ≥41 hours per week.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Implementing prevention and control practices that eliminate, reduce, and manage factors that cause or contribute to public health workers’ poor mental health might improve mental health outcomes during emergencies.