Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia Among Medical Workers in Emergency Medical Services in Eastern Kazakhstan

Kussainova D.K. Orazalina A.S. Khismetova Z.A. Serikova-Esengeldina D. Khamidullina Z.G. Akhmetova K.M. Tursynbekova A.E. Tukinova A.R. Shalgumbayeva G.M.
March 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
2025 #22 Issue 3

Introduction: Studying the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among medical workers in emergency medical services is a relevant task that will improve our understanding of scope of the problem and develop effective strategies to support and prevent psychological problems among medical staff. Insomnia is closely linked to anxiety and depression, as sleep disturbances can exacerbate emotional distress, while persistent anxiety and depressive symptoms contribute to sleep disruptions. Individuals suffering from insomnia are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression, creating a bidirectional relationship that negatively impacts overall mental well-being. This raises a crucial question: “What specific measures and intervention strategies can be implemented to reduce the levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among EMS personnel?” Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 592 medical workers employed in emergency medical services in the East Kazakhstan and Abay regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study included questions regarding the socio-demographic data of the respondents, questions assessing the severity of insomnia using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and questions from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale assessing the level of anxiety and depression among the participants. Results: Nearly a third of the EMS personnel reported symptoms of insomnia (28.2% subthreshold, 16.2% insomnia, and 3.0% severe), anxiety (22.1% subclinical, and 13.0% clinical), or depression (20.4% subclinical, and 9.8% clinical). Feldshers (nursing staff) and those with higher education had elevated levels of these conditions. The insomnia was strongly correlated with anxiety (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.415, p < 0.001), emphasizing the need for targeted mental health interventions. Conclusions: This study found elevated levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression among emergency medical service (EMS) personnel—especially nursing staff and those with higher education. We recommend comprehensive mental health support, routine screenings, stress management training, and integrating sleep hygiene into wellness programs.

Central Asia , Eastern Europe , emergency medical station personnel , mental health , sleep disorders , work-related stress

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Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, 103 Abay St., Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Public Health, Astana Medical University, Beybitshilik Street 49a, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Quality Control of Medical Services, City Clinical Hospital No. 5, Dostyk Avenue, 220b, Almaty, 010017, Kazakhstan

Department of Public Health
Department of Public Health
Department of Quality Control of Medical Services

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