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KMID : 0897520230280020041
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Journal of Korean Association of Social Psychiatry
2023 Volume.28 No. 2 p.41 ~ p.49
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Experience and stress of public health center officials coping with the COVID-19 epidemic: Qualitative research
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Kang Ji-Seon
Park Hye-Yoon
Lee So-Hee
Lee Ji-Yeon
Lee Ju-Yeon
Kim Yeon-Jae
Kwon Ki-Tae
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Abstract
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Objectives: Public health centers have played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workload and stress experienced by medical personnel because of the prolonged COVID-19 have been actively studied; however, interest in and research on public health center officials is lacking. This study investigated the challenges and experiences of public health center officials in charge of COVID-19-related tasks.
Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted between October 2020 and April 2021 using semi-structured questions with 14 public health center officials in charge of COVID-19-related tasks. A standardized qualitative research methodology was used to analyze the data from the interviews.
Results: Public health center officials faced several challenges, such as increased workload, shortage of manpower, and unbalanced division of duties. Physical health issues, such as sleep deprivation and fatigue, manifested when work continued without breaks. Additionally, the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mental stress brought on by feelings of helplessness and atrophy in social life. Public health officials spoke about the positive impact of rewarding work, creating bonds among coworkers, and increasing human infrastructure.
Conclusion: Health center officials in charge of COVID-19-related work were under considerable stress. Early intervention for employees identified as at high risk of burnout is crucial, along with regular implementation of training programs for resilience. Furthermore, frontline public servants at the forefront of quarantine need social support and recognition.
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KEYWORD
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Disease-19, Community healthcare workers, Mental health, Qualitative study, burnout
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