Telework during COVID-19 outbreak: Impact on mental health among Italian workers. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertino, V.; Nisticò, V.; D'Agostino, A.; Gambini, O.; Demartini, B.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S678
• Page End: S678
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: stress -- Teleworking -- Anxiety -- Depression; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1799
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Since February 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 has spread to several countries worldwide, including Italy, leading to an uptake of telework. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the psychopathological impact of teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, identifying mental health determinants among home-based workers. Methods: 804 participants completed an online survey, including the psychometric scales "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items" (DASS-21) and the "Insomnia Severity Index" (ISI). Teleworkers were also asked to provide information about their current work routine, home environment and clinical history. Results: At the DASS-21, 30% of the participants presented pathological levels of depression, 20.8% of anxiety and 30.7% of stress. At the ISI, 5% appeared to suffer from insomnia. Respondents with psychological and physical frailties, greater social isolation or inadequate working spaces manifested higher levels of psychiatric symptoms. Moreover, we also find a correlation of these symptoms with occupations in education. Telework was broadly appreciated and 87% of respondents expressed a willingness to maintain access to this arrangement. Conclusions: Our results document that about a third of our sample manifested psychopathological symptoms while teleworking during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. However, telework itself does not seem to be directly associated with increased psychiatric symptoms, which were instead exacerbated by COVID-19-related stressful circumstances, as well as by constitutional and social determinants of health. Going forward, authorities should promote adequate measures in order to guarantee a healthy approach to teleworking. Disclosure: No significant relationships.