Survey on Psychosocial Conditions of Official Veterinarians in Germany: Comparison with Other Professions and Differences between Age Groups, Gender, and Workplace Characteristics

Simple Summary Veterinarians often suffer from mental diseases. Related studies have mostly regarded veterinarians working in practice, so little is known about veterinarians working for authorities (official veterinarians). Official veterinarians control animal husbandries or food producers to ensure animal welfare, freedom from infectious diseases, and food safety. We assessed the psychosocial wellbeing of official German veterinarians and compared it to that of employees in other professions using an online questionnaire. The results indicated that official veterinarians experience high demands during their work and are regularly exposed to offensive behavior during their activities. They also felt exhausted more often than employees in other professions. They also considered their work as meaningful and had more freedom than other employees concerning working time and how they performed their jobs. The results indicate that official veterinarians may require protection and support.Abstract Background: Even though the mental health of veterinarians has raised concerns, little is known about the wellbeing of official veterinarians ensuring animal welfare, food safety, and control of infectious diseases and performing other tasks for veterinary public health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial conditions of official German veterinarians and to compare them with those of other employees. Methods: An online survey was conducted including 82 items of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III) and additional questions on workplace and demographics. Results: The answers of 838 respondents were analyzed, representing 26% of the target population. The average values for the dimensions Quantitative Demands, Emotional Demands, and Burnout Symptoms were substantially higher than those for German employees in other professions. Official veterinarians mainly working in animal welfare frequently experienced physical violence (6.7%) or threats of violence (53%). However, the profession also provides advantages: official veterinarians reported higher average values concerning the dimensions Control over Working Time and Influence at Work than other employees. Most participants stated that they experienced their work as meaningful, and the Job Insecurity dimension was low. Conclusions: Official veterinarians frequently experience offensive behavior and high-level demands. Therefore, measures to support and protect official veterinarians are needed. The positive aspects of this job should be emphasized to recruit and retain veterinarians in this field of the profession.