Secondary traumatic stress disorder among healthcare professionals working in high morbidity departments in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate secondary traumatic stress disorder among healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly physiotherapists working in critical care, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, and mental health departments in Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the prevalence of burnout and the level of stress endured by HCPs and identifies available preventive mechanisms to alleviate their emotional strain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to July 2022 in which healthcare workers, including physiotherapists from the critical care, emergency, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, and mental health departments, were evaluated. The study collected data to measure secondary traumatic stress disorder among the participants. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) was administered and analyzed using statistical tests. The prevalence of burnout, induced stress, and secondary traumatic stress were assessed. Results: A total of 78 healthcare workers were evaluated, of which 25.6% worked in the neurosurgery department and 11.5% work in the critical care and emergency departments. Among the participants, 28.2% worked more than 45 hours per week and 21.8% slept less than 5 hours per day. Of the healthcare workers, 12.8% suffered from severe stress, 52.6% suffered from moderate stress, and 28.2% suffered from mild stress. The three factors of the STSS were measured among the study subjects – the intrusion score (mean = 10.47), avoidance score (mean = 16.18), and arousal score (mean = 11.06) and their means were calculated accordingly. Conclusion: The study shows the need to implement a wide range of interventional programs to improve communication skills, reduce emotional distress, and implement relaxation activities in healthcare environments.