Mental Health, Practice-Related Stressors, and Job Satisfaction Of Veterinary Technicians in Nevada

Abstract

High rates of depression and suicide are well documented in veterinarians, but veterinary technicians (VTs) have been overlooked as a population of interest. It was hypothesized that VTs may have increased rates of poor mental health similar to veterinarians due to the similarity between professions and their close proximity to one another, as well as low job satisfaction. VTs in Nevada were surveyed and asked about their current mental health states, job satisfaction, and job stressors they considered to be most significant. Results showed significant psychological distress in a higher percentage of VTs in comparison to veterinarians and the general population as indicated in previous studies. In addition, VTs who thought that mental health treatment was inaccessible to them were more likely to have serious psychological distress. This study indicates that many VTs in Nevada are currently suffering from serious psychological distress, and may be at risk for suicide. Future studies should examine mental health in VTs throughout the United States.