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

This article focuses on the prevalence and impact of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among firefighters in Saudi Arabia, examining how personal, social, and organizational factors influence their mental health and work efficiency. Using a mixed-methods approach with a survey of 304 male firefighters and interviews with 22 participants, the study found that while 64% reported no STS symptoms, a significant portion experienced mild to severe distress linked to trauma exposure, educational level, marital status, work region, and desire to transfer roles. Qualitative findings highlighted symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal, alongside reduced productivity, cognitive impairments, and moral conflicts. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions and systemic organizational reforms to support firefighters’ well-being and maintain effective emergency response services in the Saudi context.