Relationship between trauma, psychological distress and help-seeking among corrective service workers.
Occup Environ Med
; 81(4): 217-219, 2024 Apr 28.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38604659
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Corrective service workers (CSWs) are at high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems. Prevalence rates and help-seeking behaviours are under-researched within this population.AIMS:
To assess rates of PTSD and distress, and identify predictors of intention to seek help, among workers at an Australian corrective service agency.METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data on staff demographics, employment, PTSD symptoms and current distress. Participants received a tailored feedback report including referral to relevant mental health services (where applicable) and were asked to indicate their likelihood of seeking help. Prevalence data are reported. Binary logistic regression was used to examine relationships between participant characteristics and help-seeking for those with probable PTSD and/or high psychological distress.RESULTS:
Participants (n=1001) were predominantly men (56.8%) with a mean age of 46.72 (SD=11.00). Over half (58.0%) were classified as probable PTSD cases, and one-third (33.0%) were experiencing high psychological distress. Around a third (34.3%) of participants with probable PTSD and/or elevated distress indicated they were likely to seek help. Older age and fewer years of service were associated with increased help-seeking intentions.CONCLUSIONS:
CSWs were found to be experiencing probable PTSD at higher rates than reported in previous studies. Relatively few intended to seek help from mental health services, despite being provided with personalised screening and feedback along with access to specialised care. Future research should investigate the potential role of organisational support as a facilitator of help-seeking within this population.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
/
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
/
Help-Seeking Behavior
/
Psychological Distress
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Oceania
Language:
En
Journal:
Occup Environ Med
Journal subject:
MEDICINA OCUPACIONAL
/
SAUDE AMBIENTAL
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia
Country of publication:
United kingdom