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

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.