COVID-19–Related Medical Vulnerability and Mental Health Outcomes Among US First Responders

Abstract

Objective The present investigation examined the main and interactive effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related medical vulnerability (CMV; the number of medical conditions with potential to elevate COVID-19 risk) and first responder status (emergency medical services roles vs non–emergency medical services roles) on mental health symptoms. Methods A national sample of 189 first responders completed an online survey between June and August 2020. Hierarchal linear regression analyses were conducted and included the following covariates: years served as a first responder, COVID-19 exposure, and trauma load. Results Unique main and interactive effects emerged for both CMV and first responder status. COVID-19–related medical vulnerability was uniquely associated with anxiety and depression, but not alcohol use. Simple slope analyses revealed divergent results. Conclusions Findings suggest that first responders with CMV are more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms and that these associations may vary by first responder role.