Psychosocial Determinants of Work Ability Among Paramedics: Implications for Occupational Health-Pilot Study.
Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2025-12-12 · Observational study
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Paramedics are routinely exposed to high psychosocial strain due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of emergency medical work. This study aimed to examine psychosocial and behavioral factors-working hours, stress, burnout, and physical activity-associated with self-reported work ability among paramedics in Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July 2023 and January 2024 among paramedics-whether active in Emergency Medical Services or holding a second degree and employed as a nurse-using the Polish version of the Work Ability Index and a stress and burnout assessment tool recommended by the European Commission. Statistical analyses, including Spearman correlation and group comparisons, were performed with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: Work ability correlated positively with physical activity and negatively with age, stress, and burnout (p < 0.05). The strongest association was observed between stress and burnout (ρ = 0.837). Paramedics working in ambulance services reported significantly higher stress and burnout levels than hospital personnel (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002), although work ability did not differ by workplace. Conclusions: These findings indicate that psychosocial stress, burnout, and low physical activity substantially reduce work ability among paramedics, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive strategies-such as stress management, promotion of physical activity, and regulation of working hours-to support the health and sustainability of the emergency medical workforce.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Clinician perspective · Paramedics & EMTs · Sex & gender
Related articles
- An assessment of mental health challenges and occupational stressors among public safety personnel senior leadership. (J Psychiatr Res, 2026)
- Selected aspects of the psychosocial functioning of medical personnel of emergency medical teams-a cross-sectional study. (Front Public Health, 2025)
- Burnout among Polish paramedics: insights from the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. (Front Public Health, 2024)
- Predictors of stress among emergency medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2021)
- Critical incident experiences, related stress and support among Finnish paramedics: A cross-sectional survey study. (Int Emerg Nurs, 2023)
- Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers and Initial Areas of Action for Intervention and Prevention-The egePan/VOICE Study. (Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021)