Occupational health of healthcare workers post-pandemic by gender and occupation

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to occupational risks, with persistent effects on mental health and marked inequalities by sex and occupation. Therefore, it is necessary to study these inequalities, as well as to assess the impact they may have on patient safety. This study analyzes working conditions and health outcomes in HCWs (2025–2027).

Methods

Prospective cohort study among HCWs at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, 2025–2026), aged 18 to 70 years, including staff with and without direct patient care, as well as outsourced service personnel. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stratified by sex and professional category, and Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between exposures and health outcomes.

Results

A total of 889 participants were analyzed. Moderate burnout was reported in 88.7% of women. High burnout was mainly observed among senior clinical staff (10.4%). Moderate depression was more frequent in women (15.2%). By profession, the highest prevalence was found among senior clinical staff (22.3%). 80% reported having gone to work while ill. 42% had temporary sick leave; the most affected group was care assistants (57.8%). Overall, 40% of participants reported musculoskeletal pain, especially in the neck (44%) and spine (41%).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of burnout, depression, and presenteeism among healthcare workers, with inequalities by sex and occupation. There is a need to improve occupational health surveillance.

Key messages

• Healthcare workers show high prevalence of burnout, depression, and musculoskeletal pain, with differences by sex and professional category.

• It is necessary to strengthen occupational health surveillance to reduce inequalities and improve the safety of patients and workers.