Assessing Mental Health of Pediatric Oncology Staff in Sarawak, Malaysia

This study investigates the mental health needs and challenges of pediatric oncology staff at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). Hospital staff often face poor mental health when exposed for lengthy times to distressing situations, such as patients passing away.² However, there is not yet much research about their mental health in Malaysia. In this study, researchers found that some SGH pediatric oncology staff struggle with depression and/or anxiety. Identified stressors include lack of training, management issues, uneven workloads, job security, opportunities for promotion, and long hours. Staff who developed anxiety or depression were also more likely to develop the other. Effective stress-relief variables include musical activities, religious activities, time with family, self-improvement activities, and a diversity of social networks. To better understand what mental health resources staff would be open to, researchers also surveyed staff on various mental health resources. The results showed that staff feel positively or are open to regular individual therapy, support groups at work, mental health workshops, mental health information, and mental health consultations. Using this information, researchers formed a strategy to target stressors and encourage stress-relief activities, providing staff with information, mental health resources, and a plan for better working environments. Researchers also encourage a follow-up study in a year on this topic and further studies on mental health of hospital staff.