Secondary traumatic stress and its impact on work efficiency and performance among firefighters in Saudi Arabia: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundSecondary traumatic stress (STS) is a significant concern for firefighters due to their repeated exposure to traumatic events. In Saudi Arabia, cultural and organizational dynamics may amplify the risk of STS among firefighters' work performance. This heightened risk stems from culturally rooted stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of structured psychological support systems, and rigid hierarchical work environments that often discourage emotional expression or help-seeking behavior.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the prevalence of STS among Saudi firefighters, its impact on work efficiency and performance, and the moderating effects of personal, social, and organizational factors.MethodsA mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative component included a cross-sectional survey of 304 male firefighters from different regions of Saudi Arabia, while the qualitative component involved semi-structured interviews with 22 participants Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, and stepwise regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis guided by an inductive approach.ResultsThe results indicate a notable prevalence of psychological distress among Saudi firefighters. Significant associations were found between STS and several variables, including educational level, marital status, region of work, trauma exposure frequency, and the desire to transfer to another role. The study also highlighted the moderating influence of personal, social, and organizational factors on stress outcomes.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the pressing need for targeted mental health interventions and systemic organizational reforms to support firefighters' well-being and enhance occupational resilience.