Essential but unprepared: How the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the mental health of the grocery workforce.

First published September 15, 2021 Research Article.

Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549211045817

Commentary

Essential workers are at high risk for COVID-19 exposure due to the interactive nature of their work, which involves high levels of relationships with co-workers and customers.

Since there are studies belonging to the health care sector but no other studies on Nambo occupations, this part of the study was conducted on grocery store workers in Arizona.

A total of 3344 grocery store workers in Arizona completed the online survey in July 2020. Multiple regression models were used to identify demographic and job-based correlates of mental health distress.

Results showed that respondents had high levels of distress, with 557 of 3169 (17.6%) reporting severe and 482 of 3168 (15.2%) reporting moderate levels.　Workplace safety was strongly correlated with significantly lower levels of mental health distress and lower perceived stress.

Economically disadvantaged workers and employees under the age of 55 reported higher levels of mental health distress. And in workplace safety and protection, it was significantly correlated with access to safety training, social distance, and policies governing customer behavior.