Impact of ethnicity on Paramedic perceived work-related stress and coping strategies adopted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: People respond to stressful situations differently based on their ethnicity.1 This study explored the impact of ethnicity coping strategies used deal with work-related stress among Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) paramedics in Qatar before and during COVID-19 pandemic. It is associated work conducted by same team.2,3Methods: An online survey combining validated tools additional demographic questions was sent all HMCAS (n = 1,100) between January May 2021. The collected information data regarding they Results: 274 valid responses were received categorized into 5 ethnic groups. For statistical analysis purposes, only three main groups a sufficient number participants could be considered; Arabian 151), South Asian 45), Southeast 60) (Total n 256). other represented too few participants. Overall, levels higher for ethnicities pandemic compared (Table 1). However, lower subgroup as counterparts usual such visiting cinema, spending time friends, playing team sports decreased subgroups 2); likely due restrictions imposed control practice religious rituals strategy showed significant decrease Although not statistically significant, staff have reported smoking more cigarettes or shisha consumed alcohol recreational drugs than two Conclusion: demonstrated that has impacted perceived stress. Further, various also differed. Additional studies larger sample sizes different settings are important inform policy design related potentially considering ethnicity.