A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that about one third of medical and nurses in Europe is experiencing depression or anxiety, a rate five times higher than among the general population.
The information is presented in a statement of the European Branch of the WHO.
“More than one in 10 workers in the health field has thought of taking their lives or hurting. This is an unacceptable burden for those who take care of us,” said WHO director for Europe, Hans Kluge, according to Agerpres.
According to the report, nurses and medical women are more prone to depression and anxiety, while male doctors develop more frequently.
The study, based on 90,000 responses from 27 countries of the European Union, Iceland and Norway, also indicates an increased exposure to violence and intimidation: one third of employees have faced threats or aggression at work, the most common cases being registered in Cyprus, Greece and Spain. Also, 10% reported physical violence or sexual harassment in the last year.
Work conditions contribute significantly to stress
WHO claims that one in four doctors work over 50 hours a week, and 32% of doctors and a quarter of assistants have temporary contracts, which amplifies professional uncertainty.
Hans Kluge warns that this mental health crisis represents “A direct threat to European health systems ”.
To counteract the phenomenon, WHO proposes measures such as zero tolerance to violence and harassment in hospitals, reforming overtime and guaranteed access to confidential mental health services.
The WHO director points out that, given the deficit of about one million health workers by 2030, losing staff due to exhaustion, despair or violence is not an option: “We cannot afford to lose them.”
