Mental Health Disorders, Organizational Stigma, and Health Service Utilization Among US Fire Investigators

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to estimate in a sample of US fire investigators the (1) prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk, and mental health services use and (2) association between organizational stigma and mental health disorders. Methods This is a cross-sectional study design used to administer between November 2023 and January 2024, a 35-item behavioral/mental health survey. Results Approximately 18.0% of fire investigators had GAD, 22.8% depression, and 18.2% PTSD risk. Organizational stigma about mental health disorders was reported by 53.3% of fire investigators. The most frequently used behavioral/mental health services were cognitive behavioral therapy (40.1%) and medication management (36.1%). Organizational stigma around reporting mental health disorders was significantly associated with PTSD risk (adjusted odds ratio = 5.25 [2.41–11.43]). Conclusions Mental health disorders are present in the fire investigator workforce, and organizational stigma is associated with limited report of PTSD risk.