Investigating the impact of financial concerns on symptoms of depression in UK healthcare workers: data from the UK-REACH nationwide cohort study

Abstract

Background Exploration of the association between financial concerns and depression in UK healthcare workers (HCWs) is paramount given the current ‘cost of living crisis’, ongoing strike action and recruitment/retention problems in the National Health Service. Aims To assess the impact of financial concerns on the risk of depression in HCWs, how these concerns have changed over time and what factors might predict financial concerns. Method We used longitudinal survey data from a UK-wide cohort of HCWs to determine whether financial concerns at baseline (December 2020 to March 2021) were associated with depression (measured with the Public Health Questionnaire-2) at follow-up (June to October 2022). We used logistic regression to examine the association between financial concerns and depression, and ordinal logistic regression to establish predictors of developing financial concerns. Results A total of 3521 HCWs were included. Those concerned about their financial situation at baseline had higher odds of developing depressive symptoms at follow-up. Financial concerns increased in 43.8% of HCWs and decreased in 9%. Those in nursing, midwifery and other nursing roles had over twice the odds of developing financial concerns compared with those in medical roles. Conclusions Financial concerns are increasing in prevalence and predict the later development of depressive symptoms in UK HCWs. Those in nursing, midwifery and other allied nursing roles may have been disproportionately affected. Our results are concerning given the potential effects on sickness absence and staff retention. Policy makers should act to alleviate financial concerns to reduce the impact this may have on a discontent workforce plagued by understaffing.

Re: investigating the impact of financial concerns on symptoms of depression in UK healthcare workers: data from the UK REACH nationwide cohort study

“…We read with interest the paper by McBride et al (2023) that introduces novel findings about the relationship between financial concerns and mental health, in particular symptoms of depression, in UK healthcare workers (HCWs). 1 This is a highly topical subject given the ongoing pay disputes by some of the NHS workforce and the cost-of-living crisis at the time of writing (summer 2023). They conclude that reporting future financial concerns at baseline increased the odds of depressive symptoms at follow-up around 18 months later.…”

“…This paper by Martin McBride and the UK REACH team 1 has the potential to inform NHS policy and, as discussed, this might include policies to relieve the financial burden on NHS staff. Although pay is important, feedback from staff indicates that getting the basics right to improve working conditions is also important to NHS staff, such as having access to hot food on shift and adequate breaks, 10 , 11 as summarised by NHS CHECK and the Policy Institute at King's College London.…”