Maladaptive Cognitions in EMS Professionals as a Function of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author: Ginny Renkiewicz | |
Associate Authors: Michael W.Hubble |
Sandy L. Hunter |
Randy D. Kearns
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. What remains unknown is how the emotional impact of the pandemic has influenced maladaptive cognitions in this population.
Objective
To determine whether factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic influence maladaptive cognitions in EMS professionals.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional online survey of North Carolina EMS professionals. Data collection occurred from April–May 2021. All EMS professionals on the roster of an active emergency response agency were included. Emergency medical responders (EMRs), educators, and nonclinical EMS personnel were excluded given that these groups were unlikely to perform direct patient care as a primary function. In addition to demographics and items related to perceptions and mindsets surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 15-question Posttraumatic Maladaptive Beliefs Scale (PMBS) was used to quantify the severity of maladaptive cognitions. The PMBS measures maladaptive cognitions through a total score and three subscales: Reliability and Trustworthiness of Others, Threat of Harm, and Self-worth and Judgment. Variables significant in the univariate analysis were used to create a hierarchical linear regression to assess the potential impact of pandemic-related factors on maladaptive belief scores.
Results
A total of 811 respondents were included in the study. Of those, 33.3% were female, 6.7% were minorities, 3.2% were
Latinx, and 75% were primarily employed by an EMS agency. Mean age was 41.11 ± 12.42 years. Mean scores on the PMBS were 37.12 ± 13.06 and ranged from 15-93. PMBS scores were 4.62, 3.57, and 3.99 points higher in those with higher levels
of anxiety, who considered their primary information sources to be accurate and reliable, and who reported to work despite having flu- or COVID-like symptoms, respectively. Using hierarchical linear regression, pandemic-specific factors accounted for 10.6% of the variance in PMBS total scores, ΔR2 = 0.106, ΔF(9, 792), P < 0.001. Psychopathological factors accounted for an additional 4.7% of the variance in PMBS total scores, ΔR2 = 0.047, ΔF(3, 789), P < 0.001.
Conclusion
Given that 10.6% of the difference in PMBS scores can be explained by pandemic-related factors, maladaptive cognitions in EMS are a considerable concern. This is particularly true given the potential development of significant psychopathology post-trauma.
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