Respect for service users' human rights, job satisfaction, and wellbeing are higher in mental health workers than in other health workers: A study in Italy at time of the Covid pandemic

Mauro Giovanni Carta

Conceptualization

;Maria Francesca Moro

Writing - Review & Editing

;Federica Sancassiani

Writing - Review & Editing

;Ruben Ganassi;Paola Melis

Writing - Review & Editing

;Alessandra Perra

Writing - Review & Editing

;Silvia D’Oca

Investigation

;Michela Atzeni

Investigation

;Fernanda Velluzzi

Writing - Review & Editing

;Caterina Ferreli

Writing - Review & Editing

;Laura Atzori

Writing - Review & Editing

;Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez

Writing - Review & Editing

;Maria Roberta Serrentino

Writing - Review & Editing

;Matthias Claus Angermeyer

Supervision

;Giulia Cossu

Writing - Review & Editing

2022-01-01

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Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the respect for users’ rights, job satisfaction, and well-being between mental health workers (MHWs) compared to non-mental health care workers (nMHWs) from the same Italian region. Methods: The sample was recruited from community mental health and non-mental health outpatient centers in Sardinia. Participants fulfilled the WellBeing at work and respect for human-rights questionnaire (WWRR). The sample included 240 MHWs and 154 nMHWs. Results: MHWs were more satisfied with their work and workplace compared to nMHWs. MHWs had stronger beliefs that users were satisfied with the care received, and both workers and users’ human rights were respected in their workplace. MHWs reported to need more rehabilitation therapists and psychologists in their services, while nMHWs needed more nurses and professionals for users’ personal care. Italian MHWs are more satisfied with their work and workplace, and more convinced that users are satisfied with the care received and that users’ and staff human rights are respected in their workplaces, compared to nMHWs. Conclusions: The historic link between the community mental health network and other support networks in Italy and the consequent perception of proximity to the citizens of the care network may be the reason for this optimal situation of Italian MHWs.