Psychosocial Factors and Mental Health Among Workers and Volunteers in Disaster Response

Resumen

This study examined psychosocial factors associated with the mental health of workers and volunteers engaged in response activities related to the May 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 185 participants completed online versions of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Using an inferential design, the data were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results indicated that work demands were positively associated with stress (ẞ = 0.40, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.309, 0.590]), whereas interpersonal relationships were negatively associated with depression (ẞ = -0.33, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.388, -0.128]). The findings highlight the importance of favorable work relationships in strengthening resilience and mitigating the adverse psychological effects of disaster contexts. These findings underscore the relevance of implementing interventions in future disaster settings aimed at strengthening psychosocial support and promoting adaptive coping strategies among workers and volunteers.