The Impact on Mental Health of Public Health Personnel in Disease Surveillance and Control

Abstract

            Disease surveillance, prevention, and control are essential responsibilities of public health personnel who work under conditions of high risk, heavy workload, and uncertainty, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks. These challenges can significantly affect their mental health and work performance. This study aimed to examine the mental health impacts among public health personnel involved in disease surveillance, prevention, and control, and to explore the psychological effects of working under pressure and uncertainty. The findings revealed that most participants experienced mild to moderate psychological symptoms, particularly work-related stress and anxiety about infection risks. However, a subset reported severe symptoms, including fatigue and lack of energy 26.2%, depressive mood and low motivation 29.2%, and perceptions of high-risk duties 27.7%, indicating early signs of burnout syndrome. Sleep disturbances were reported by 57.0% of participants, and 61.5% expressed moderate concern about infection risk. Notably, 80.0% reported low levels of help-seeking behavior for mental health issues, which may reflect social stigma or limited self-awareness of psychological distress. The results highlight the urgent need to strengthen workplace mental health support systems, especially for personnel with high workloads or exposure to risk. Recommended strategies include implementing stress management programs, fostering an organizational culture that promotes open communication about mental health, and reducing social stigma related to seeking psychological support. Enhancing these factors can improve emotional resilience, sustain motivation, and promote long-term well-being and performance among public health personnel.