Community pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of stress during COVID-19.

Tobia, Loreta; Muselli, Mario; De Luca, Fabio; Cofini, Vincenza; Mastrangeli, Giada; Fabiani, Leila; Necozione, Stefano

Background: Pharmacists play a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, performing frontline roles for the community, and supporting the healthcare system. This study aimed at investigating stress and its correlates among this category of workers at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: The participants for this study were employees of the "Municipal Pharmaceutical Company" of L'Aquila (Italy). Data were collected using an anonymous, web-based, self-administered questionnaire. Two independent surveys were conducted, from June to July 2020, and in January 2021. Results: Two separate groups of respondents were involved: a total of 37 workers participated in the first survey (mean age 44.9 ± 10.7, 75.7% women) and 18 in the second survey (mean age 45.9 ± 9.2, 94.4% women). The average total scores of the perceived stress (GHQ-12 score) increased significantly from 15.5 to 18.2 (p = 0.0438), showing a moderate level of stress in the category investigated. Conclusions: We observed a strong emotional exhaustion in the study sample of pharmacists, who reported high-risk perceptions and fear. A comprehensive assistance should be granted to support the well-being of healthcare workers who provide an essential service, despite the high risk of infection.

L'AQUILA (Italy); PHARMACISTS' attitudes; COVID-19 pandemic; COMMUNITIES; MEDICAL personnel; PSYCHOLOGICAL burnout

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy & Practice, 2023, Vol 16, Issue 1, p1

2052-3211

Academic Journal

10.1186/s40545-023-00523-6