Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential workers in Europe: Subset analysis of a global online survey
Journal of Health and Social Sciences
; 7(3):325-336, 2022.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-2145854
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
This study aims to explore how essential workers in Europe differed from the rest of the population in terms of their experiences of social life, access to services, mental well-being, and perceived benefits of the lockdown.Methods:
This study used a descriptive analysis to evaluate the overall experiences of the essential workers in Europe. Data analyzed in this study is part of a larger global online cross-sectional survey conducted during April to November 2020 involving post-secondary staff, students and the general population (remote workers). Data of 19,794 participants are included in the current study, and analysis is based on a comparison of participants who self-identified as essential workers, with those who did not using the chi-square test.Results:
Mean age was 34.5 years (SD =13.0) for essential workers and 30.2 years (SD =12.4) for the general population (remote workers). While 13.6% of all respondents were essential workers, the proportion was more among older ages (30 and above), females, and those who lived in suburbs. Overall, 46.8% of participants reported increased levels of stress during week 1-2 (51% of essential workers and 46.1% of the other participants, p<0.001). More essential workers reported their social life being great than the rest of the population (25.3% vs. 16.4%, p<0.001), and COVID-19 symptoms (13.6 vs 10.5%, p<0.001). In addition, fewer reported having troubled relationships (16.3% vs. 18.6%, p<0.001) or being able to do sufficient exercise (35.7% vs. 40.5%, p<0.001) than the general population (remote workers). Take-home message The important role of essential workers during the pandemic cannot be overstated, yet their contributions, especially non-healthcare essential workers, have not been fully appreciated. © 2022 Parvin EFTEKHAR et al.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Health and Social Sciences
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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