Prevalence and Determinants of Mental Stress Experienced by Laboratory Technicians During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background and Aims: Laboratory technicians always are in contact with the infected person who comes for testing in laboratory. The current study aims to find out the extent of mental stress experienced by laboratory technicians during COVID 19 and suggesting coping strategies by organizing an expert talk for the laboratory technicians working in testing laboratories during COVID-19 for coping with mental stress experienced by them. The reviewed literature demonstrates that laboratory technicians experienced considerable psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by factors such as increased workload, uncertainty, inadequate recognition, and prolonged exposure to high-risk environments. It is important for comprehensive mental health support systems, policy-driven interventions, and organizational measures aimed at protecting and promoting the wellbeing of laboratory personnel, particularly in the context of future public health emergencies. Data Source and Methodology: Descriptive research design was used for the study. A structural questionnaire was used to elicit information from 80 laboratory technicians of Vadodara city, Gujarat, India. Purposive sampling technique was engaged for data collection. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis with chi-square test, and logistics regression performed to show the factors that influence mental stress level. A structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. The content validity of the tool was established through expert evaluation, and its reliability was assessed using the split-half method, yielding a coefficient of 0.82, indicating good internal consistency. Results: The results found that the prevalence of mental stress in Vadodara among lab technician was 62 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results found that marital status, period of service in this field, family size, and shift of work were significantly (p<0.05) associated with mental stress. The odds of logistic regression shows that the prevalence of mental stress is 14.82 times higher among the respondents working in the afternoon shift (OR = 14.82; 95% CI = 1.36–16.47) as compared to the lab technician working in the morning shift. Conclusion: The study recommends that laboratory owners should stay updated about the concerns of staff and also besides providing support/help for physical and mental stress as they emerge, but also on preventing their occurrence. Providing counselling available for job-related, as well as personal problems, may help prevent serious stress-related problems leading to stress.