Assessing Sources of Stress on the Mental Health of Volunteers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a notable increase in the number of people engaging in volunteer work in society. Volunteering allows individuals to offer support and contribute to society amid the pandemic. Understanding the impact of volunteering on mental health and well-being is of utmost importance. Hence, this research paper aims to examine how perceived stressors affect the mental well-being of PPV volunteers. An online survey was distributed to PPV volunteers in Selangor, focusing on their experiences of stress, mental health, and symptoms of well-being during the initial months of volunteering in response to COVID-19. Both descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were carried out. The study involved 226 volunteers, with 58% being female and 42% male. Nearly half of the participants were 35 to 44 years (46.5%), and 65% came from non-academic backgrounds. Additionally, 60.6% were part-time non-clinical volunteers who completed the survey questionnaire. The regression analysis results reveal that workload, environment, and interactions with vaccine recipients significantly predict psychological distress, physical discomfort, and mental stress among volunteers during the ongoing pandemic. On the other hand, knowledge and skills are only significantly influenced by physical discomfort. These findings will aid policymakers and all stakeholders in implementing necessary measures to prevent mental health issues during future pandemics, guiding potential volunteering efforts in emergencies, and enhancing community volunteer programs.