The Perception of Quality of Care and Respect of Human Rights in Mental Health Facilities Among Health Workers Over Time in Sardinia, Italy

Objectives: To examine changes in mental health workers’ (MHWs) perceptions of human rights protection and job satisfaction before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy (Sardinia). Study design: Comparative analysis of three cross-sectional surveys conducted at different time points. Methods: Three cross-sectional surveys were carried out among MHWs working in community mental health services in Italy (Sardinia) in 2019 (pre-COVID), 2022 (during COVID), and 2025 (post-COVID). Participants completed the Well-Being at Work and Respect for Human Rights Questionnaire (WWRR). Items 1 to 6 (Likert scale 1–6) assessed job satisfaction and perceived respect for human rights, while item 7 evaluated perceived staff shortages. Comparisons across surveys were performed using ANOVA and χ² tests. Results: The samples included 126 MHWs in 2019, 240 in 2022, and 101 in 2025. The proportion of older staff increased significantly over time ( p < .001). Satisfaction with work and organizational aspects improved across the three periods, along with perceptions of respect for users’ and staff human rights. Satisfaction with available resources peaked in 2022 and declined in the post-pandemic period. The perceived need for psychologists and rehabilitation professionals remained consistently high, while the perceived shortage of nurses and physicians decreased over time. Conclusions: Perceived respect for human rights and job satisfaction among MHWs showed a sustained improvement after the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the resilience of Italy’s community psychiatry model. Ongoing concerns regarding resources underscore the need for renewed investment in human capital.