Depressionen und damit assoziierte Faktoren bei Rettungskräften in Deutschland – Ergebnisse aus der EMS-Health-Studie für den Zeitraum 2020/2021

Abstract

Depression and associated factors among emergency medical services staff in Germany: results from the EMS Health Study for the period 2020/2021 Background: Depression is one of the most common psychological conditions and factors such as pain and psychosocial workload can increase the risk for depression. Since there is little data available for prehospital emergence medical services (EMS) staff in Germany, the aim of the study was to identify factors associated with depression. Methods: This analysis was a nationwide cross-sectional study with prehospital EMS staff in Germany. Factors associated with depression were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis, calculating adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and associated 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Results: A total of 2,313 EMS staff were included in the analysis. The 12-month prevalence of depression was 15.6 % in women and 12.2 % in men. Significantly associated with depression were qualifications (paramedic*s: AOR: 1.99 [95 % CI: 1.10; 3.58] p = 0.022; paramedic*s: AOR: 1.69 [95 % CI: 1.08; 2.61] p = 0.021; reference: paramedics) and actual working hours (increase per hour: AOR: 1.02 [95 % CI: 1.00; 1.03] p = 0.013). Furthermore, poorer health, severe pain, allergies, and being a former smoker were also associated with a significantly higher chance of depression. In contrast, employees living in a relationship showed a lower chance of suffering from depression. Conclusion: This analysis provides evidence for factors associated with depression in prehospital EMS staff in Germany. Keywords: mental health – rescue service – workload – rescue service personnel – paramedics