Document resource
Objective To systematically evaluate the prevalence of work-related mental health problems in health and social care (HeSCare) professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in the EU and investigate the initiatives undertaken to prevent and manage psychosocial risks and mental health in the sector.Material and Methods A systematic review including cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of mental health problems assessed with validated scales in HeSCare workers (PROSPERO CRD42023473930). Bibliographic searches were conducted in Medline and EMBASE. Study quality was evaluated with the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for prevalence studies. Pooled prevalence estimates were obtained with random effects metanalyses, and sub-group analysis of workers potentially at increased risk conducted. In-depth grey literature searches and a Delphi survey allowed to identify interventions conducted during the pandemic in the sector, which were reviewed and classified.Results 113 studies from 2020 to July 2023 with 19,575 professionals were included, reporting data for 22 EU countries. HeSCare professionals showed high overall prevalence of anxiety, depression, acute stress, psychological distress, insomnia and burnout (37%, 22%, 44%, 46%, 36% and 38%). PTSD and suicidal thoughts were the least prevalent (24% and 11%). Evidence suggests higher prevalence rates of mental health problems in nurses, residents, aides, and emergency medical technicians, as well as in frontline and female workers. A significant degree of clinical and statistical heterogeneity was observed. In total, 134 reports of workplace interventions were evaluated, showing counselling (29.7%), mindfulness (17.4%), digital resources (14.5%), resting hubs (11.6%), organisational adjustments (10.9%), and psychoeducation (10.1%) as the most frequent, targeting largely healthcare professionals.Conclusions This review shows the burden of mental health problems in a critical sector and identifies categories of workers at higher risk, to inform targeted prevention. It provides a detailed analysis of interventions to safeguard workers wellbeing.