Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
COVID-19-Related Medical Vulnerability and Mental Health Outcomes Among US First Responders
Antoine Lebeaut1, Maya Zegel, Samuel J Leonard
1From the Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (A.L., M.Z., S.J.L., N.A.H., A.A.V.); and Department of Decision and Information Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (E.A.A.-F.).
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.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...

