1 Background

In response to the sustained impact of the pandemic on the workforce on the mental health of public health workers, highlighted in the alarming CDC report, public health practitioners in Iowa were invited to take a survey about the effects of COVID-19 on their overall mental health and well-being. This page presents the results of that survey. This information will be used to understand the challenges faced by the public health workforce in Iowa and to inform efforts to support workers.

The survey is a collaboration of the Institute for Public Health Practice (IPHP) at the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA). Please contact Kathleen May with any questions.

2 Workplace characteristics

2.1 Workplace type

2.1.1 Figure

Q: “Please specify your work setting”

Chart. See "Frequencies" for data table.

2.1.2 Frequencies

Characteristic N = 3611
Job Title
Local Public Health Agency - Government based 149 (45%)
Local Public Health Agency - Hospital based 20 (6.0%)
Other Local Public Health Agency 20 (6.0%)
State Health Agency - Central Office 67 (20%)
State Health Agency - Local or Regional Office 5 (1.5%)
Other State Agency, not Health 5 (1.5%)
Other County Agency, not Health 4 (1.2%)
Other City Agency, not Health 0 (0%)
Hospital or Health Care Clinic, other than Public Health Agency 13 (3.9%)
Nonprofit Organization 17 (5.1%)
Independent Consultant 1 (0.3%)
Private Industry 6 (1.8%)
Retired 2 (0.6%)
Other 22 (6.6%)
Unknown 30
1 n (%)

2.2 Workforce size

2.2.1 Figure

Q: “How many employees in this work setting are dedicated to public health?”

Chart. See "Frequencies" for data table.

2.2.2 Frequencies

Characteristic N = 361
How many employees in this work setting are dedicated to public health?
Median (IQR) 22 (7, 51)
Mean 388
Range 0, 35,000
Unknown 78

2.3 Supervisory status

2.3.1 Figure

Q: “What is your supervisory status?”