Mental and Physical Health of Flight Attendants during COVID-19
DISSERTATION
Mental and Physical health of Flight Attendants during a Global Pandemic (COVID-19) and Level of Job Satisfaction
COURSE- MA International Tourism and Aviation Management
MODULE CODE- TH70085E // Elitza Lordanova
STUDENT ID- 21426300
Table of Contents
1.2 Aim, objectives and research questions 6
1.3 Rationale for conducting the research 7
1.4 Brief description of the chapters 8
CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE REVIEW 9
2.4 Physical Health Problems 13
2.4 Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic 16
3.5 Data Collection Methods 24
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
The whole investigation work aims at analysing flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level during COVID-19 pandemic.
Flight attendants during their work are exposed to special health-related challenges. The health status of flight attendants was investigated by McNeely and colleagues and found considerably more sleep difficulties, anxiety, fatigue and depression than in the average population (McNeely et al. 2018). By night work, long flying hours, a very early start of work and long-time shifts, fatigue is favoured. A very late end of duty or a very early beginning of duty in the case of national flights is problematic along with irregularly structured duty. Following air accidents, flight attendants are affected by post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the conditions for flight attendants changed intensely. Curfews, closed restaurants, contact bans, and travel restrictions have been implemented by many countries in order to contain the virus (Gorlich and Stadelmann, 2020). The aviation industry prior to the COVID-19 pandemic never rested. To the airline industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has been so overwhelming that even flight attendants with years of experience have said that their jobs are in danger. The brunt is borne by the largest workgroups of airlines i.e. flight attendants due to the pandemic. Unique occupational hazards are always there with flight attendants, from handling bad behaviour onboard to complementary perpetual jet lag. But even more and tougher challenges have been brought by the pandemic for flight attendants (Compton, 2020).
In response to the arrival of the COVID-19 outbreak, borders are shut down by numerous countries. Multiple restrictions and regulations are introduced by the government due to a pandemic that limits individuals’ free movement in an attempt to curb the virus spread (Mazareanu, 2021). As the airlines are plunged into an unprecedented crisis by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of flight attendants or flying cabin crews is also impacted. Greater anxiety is experienced by flight attendants while flying during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to worries about contracting the coronavirus, there is increased anxiety. Due to the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline industry is severely affected because of the formal travel bans and voluntary restrictions such as switching corporate trips with virtual meetings. As there is a decrease in passengers, which leads to a drop in revenue for the companies. An instrument i.e. “Kurzarbeit” is used by large airline companies to mean short-time work. In this, flight attendants are temporarily compensated by the Federal Employment Agency and thereby release the corporations financially. With the reduction in working hours, there is a loss of pay which impacts the mental health of flight attendants as it causes stress and depression (Gorlich and Stadelmann, 2020).
It is announced by many airline companies that it would fire its flight attendant which negatively impacted the mental health of flight attendants (Mulfati, 2021). The incidence of psychological and physical problems can be increased due to shift work, irregular working house or/and night work. It is felt uncertain by flight attendants both for their own health and the security of their jobs as COVID-19 lasts to beat the airline business (Gmoser, 2020). New policies have been adopted by airlines to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Wearing masks and gloves is made compulsory for flight attendants and it is their responsibility to provide the passenger with gloves and mask if he/she is feeling unwell or is coughing. It is quite tough for flight attendants to wear masks on their faces for long hours. Against the virus, marks are still the best protection. Yet, it is a tough time for flight attendants to deal with passengers who refuse to comply with mask rules. Limited authority is held by flight attendants for enforcing the rules and they struggle with varying directions from higher-ups. It is stressful for flight attendants to miss work due to exposure to coronavirus. Only if their test is positive, pay protection applies (Johanna, 2021).
The mental health status of flight attendants has significantly deteriorated as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight attendants during the COVID-19 are afraid of losing their job. Many flights were cancelled due to the pandemic which negatively impacts the revenues of airline companies. Job security is in danger for flight attendants because of uncertain times. Unemployment can quickly lead to mental health issues. Support is sought out by some flight attendants during pandemics from co-workers and union counsellors. By airline sanitation efforts, some flight attendants have felt comfortable. It is advised that discussions concerning career outlook must be prioritized by airline companies and safety measures must be emphasized to prevent infection at work for addressing psychological needs linked with functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ellwood, 2021).
Due to the pandemic, the personal situation of flight attendants has worsened and they think that enhancement is needed for their personal situation by giving more time to rest, more time for family, better sleep etc. More stress symptoms are shown by female flight attendants than male flight attendants due to fear of the future and lack of prospects. Job loss is considered very serious by flight attendants during pandemics which leads to symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety (Gorlich and Stadelmann, 2020). There is an increase in symptoms of stress and depression in flight attendants due to fear of the future, job insecurity and contact restrictions in general. New steps have been added by flight attendants to their routine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sets of hand sanitiser are carried by them and they avoid drinking or eating on the plane. According to the latest figures chased by the Association of Flight Attendants union (AFA-CWA), over the course of the pandemic, over 3,500 flight attendants have tested positive for COVID-19 and an estimated 20 have died. It is said by flight attendants that they are suffering from high levels of depression and stress during COVID-19 (Popken, 2021). Sanitization and health precautions are taken by most flight attendants to new heights due to the global pandemic.
Due to irregular working hours during the pandemic and reduced rest opportunities, shared with difficult child care situations at home, leads to a negative impact on mental and physical health by affecting sleep, performance, fatigue and family life. Loss of income and job insecurity is increased which lead to psychological strains such as existential fears or anxiety. A great potential is held by the COVID-19 crisis to negatively affect the ability of flight attendants to safely operate (ECA, 2020). As flight attendants are also responsible for the lives of individuals, it is expected by them to be mentally stable. The research has been conducted to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on flight attendants’ physical and mental health. The research will also help in identifying the job satisfaction level of flight attendants during pandemics.
1.2 Aim, objectives and research questions
Aim
The aim of the research is to analyse flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level during a global COVID-19 pandemic.
Research Objectives
On the following objectives, this research is based-
To critically assess prevailing literature on flight attendants’ physical and mental health and its influence on their job satisfaction level.
To gather and examine primary data on the well-being and physical health of flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their job satisfaction.
To develop recommendations about how COVID-19 impact can be minimized by airlines on the health of cabin crew members.
Research Questions
The following research questions are established based on the aim of the research:
What are the physical and mental health problems faced by flight attendants as an effect of their job?
What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental well-being of flight attendants?
What is the nature of flight attendants’ job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic?
1.3 Rationale for conducting the research
This research will identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the physical and mental well-being of flight attendants. Due to the pandemic situations, the physical and mental health of flight attendants is highly impacted. Mental disturbances, physical illness and anxiety are some of the issues flight attendant’s face due to COVID-19. The job performance of flight attendants might be impacted due to their mental and physical state (Görlich and Stadelmann, 2020). Furthermore, the job performance level is also determined by how satisfied an individual is. Therefore, the researcher thought that it is important to find out flight attendants’ mental and physical state during a global pandemic. Flights attendants can use the collected data and their analysis for enhancing their mental and physical health. Also, there is a lack of previous studies in the field of flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level during a global COVID-19 pandemic, due to which the interest has been shown by the research in this research topic. As the Covid-19 pandemic came in 2019 and there is limited research on this topic. This research is important as it will reveal the job satisfaction level of flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic. I and others will be made aware with this research that flight attendants are impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
1.4 Brief description of the chapters
Chapter 1- Introduction
The topic of the research and the reasons for interest in a specific research topic is presented in the first chapter. Information related to the research topic is included in this chapter and the research aim, research objectives and research questions are also presented.
Chapter 2- Literature Review
A literature review is the second chapter of the dissertation. In this chapter, a critical review will be conducted by the author of academic books, articles and publications on the research topics. Different secondary sources will be used for gathering data related to the research area.
Chapter 3- Methodology
The methodology will be described in the third chapter. The researcher will present research philosophy and approaches. This chapter will describe the population that contributed to the study and the methods of data collection, as well as sample size and sampling techniques methods. The researcher will also present the aspects related to research ethics and lastly, limitations of the research are listed.
Chapter 4- Analysis and Discussion of Findings
The analysis and findings discussion is presented in the fourth chapter. The researcher will describe in detail the data analysis method. To the literature related to the research topic, the analysis results will be referred and the researcher will indicate differences and similarities.
Chapter 5- Conclusion
In the fifth chapter, conclusions will be described. It will be described in this chapter how to aim, objectives are met and all research questions are answered by the author. Possible directions will also be pointed out by the author for further research on the research subject.
CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
A detailed investigation of available publications related to flight attendants, the impact of COVID-19 on their job satisfaction and health will be contained in the literature review chapter. The author in this chapter will discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental well-being of flight attendants and their job satisfaction levels during the pandemic.
2.2 Causes of Stress
According to Horswell (2017), a flight attendant’s world is a fascinating one that also provides different benefits. But it is not only about benefits and travelling. Due to the psychological stress created and stress put on the body, the job of flight attendants is very demanding. Amazing aeroplanes have been created by technology which at extreme speeds and for non-stop hours can travel thousands of miles around the world. However, for such long trips in a short period of time, the human brain and body are not designed. There are different events or conditions due to which stress is faced by flight attendants. Some of the reasons that cause stress to flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic include job insecurity, sleep disruption, irregular hours and working long, encountering uncooperative passengers etc. Various psychological and physical problems are arising with the existence of the commercial aviation sector. Anna (2019), stated that the environment of aviation is rich in potential physical stressors such as poor air quality, oxygen level, turbulence, humidity, light level etc. Flight attendants are frequently suffering from lower back pain, dry skin, skin irritation, cold symptoms etc. A variety of physical demands are carried out by a job on the flight attendants such as carts pulling or pushing, heavy containers removing from the galleys etc. Stress is created among flight attendants due to irregular contact with friends and family. During both nights and days and usually during weekends, flight attendants' work staggered. The working schedule is different for flight attendants and due to this, there is a scarcity of leisure time for them which also causes stress.
According to de Assis and de Oliveria Riberio (2017), Lack of holidays also causes stress among flight attendants. It is not easy to work as a flight attendant and care for a lot of passengers. There is no fixed time for holidays and several nights are spent by them away from home. Due to their job, flight attendants are away from social support. The possible fear of constricting SARS CoV-2 along with pessimists about friends and relatives and insecurity about the future of their employment cause stress in minds of flight attendants during pandemics. Ellwood (2021), stated that among the flight attendants, there is fear of flying amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is very tough or even impossible to social distance in air travel. Flight attendants are constantly very scared or worried about contracting the virus which causes stress among them. Job loss fears during the pandemic are significantly related to the symptoms of stress among flight attendants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, passengers are nervous, trips are cancelled and planes are empty. Also, there is an increase in the work responsibilities of flight attendants which have also caused stress. A key role is played by flight attendants in maintaining passengers and operational safety during the pandemic.
According to Weiss et al (2020), as the coronavirus developed into a pandemic, a precipitous drop is seen in the travel industry business. Thousands of job losses have been collectively announced by major airlines, tour firms and airports. Last month it is said by the world’s biggest American Airlines that 19,000 jobs would be cut by the company in October when a government wage support scheme comes to an end. Also, a million jobs worldwide are wiped out within the aviation industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is said by United Airlines earlier this year that as many as 36,000 jobs were at risk (BBC, 2020). All this cause fear of job loss in the minds of flight attendants which is a major cause of stress during the pandemic.
According to Cramer (2021), dozens of confidential complaints have been received by aviation safety officials in the past year regarding enforcing mask safety rules. The unruly behaviour of passengers is reported by most of the flight attendants due to the federal mask mandate. Passengers regularly abuse flight attendants and refuse to wear a mask. Around the world, fear, social and family rifts and economic pain have been caused by the coronavirus pandemic but the discomfort and tension have often congregated in a tiny cabin space for the flight attendants which also causes stress. Handling disruptive passengers becomes very challenging for flight attendants.
2.3 Mental Health Problems
According to Rajaveraja (2019), A constant fear of accidents is faced by the flight attendants while travelling and their job nature makes them unstable. Flight attendants are mentally disturbed due to their hectic work schedules and with this, little leisure is got by them. Sometimes arguments take place due to cultural differences and language barriers between other flight attendants and passengers which also leads to stress. Emotions of flight attendants are affected as there is reduction in social support from passengers, workmates and employers. It is often stressful, disruptive and tiring to work as a flight attendant. Due to isolation on duty, dealing with difficult passengers, little energy or time available to adequately fulfilling roles as partners, mother and community members etc, mental health problems are faced by flight attendants. Palil et al (2021), stated that a significant problem among flight attendants is fatigue. Among flight attendants, an increased prevalence of adverse sleep and mental health outcomes is found such as depression, anxiety etc. The mental health of flight attendants is adversely impacted due to sleep disorders including circadian rhythm disruption which may lead to suicide deaths, suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. The mental wellbeing of flight attendants is enhanced by providing increased social support and helping flight attendants in reducing conflicts between private and work life.
According to Payne et al (2017), flight attendants like other high-stress jobs can become exposed to alcohol or drug use for coping with their work. The way to constituent dependency and full-blown addiction can be paved by abusing alcohol and drugs to cope with mental health symptoms. Lack of sleep is one of the most common and basic stressors that pay to flight attendants’ stress. Among flight attendants, a common mental issue is burnout, which is the ultimate cause of a qualified work-life conflict that has repeatedly increased the stress level of an individual. Bore out occurs as a mental health problem among flight attendants and which is formed through an amalgamation of role stress, work stress, misbehaving passengers, emotional discrepancies, or/and irregular duty times. Through three different signs which are growth-related crisis, job boredom and work-related meaning crisis, Bore out is displayed. More sleep problems, fatigue, anxiety and depression are experienced by flight attendants under mental health problems. Due to air accidents, mental health problems arise in flight attendants which can be seen in terms of post-traumatic stress and anxiety. The beginning of flight-related work stress includes physical and cognitive overloads.
According to Gorlich and Stadelmann (2020), with the COVID-19 pandemic, increased mental health problems were found in flight attendants. While flying during the global pandemic, ensuring the safety of passengers is very important for airline companies. Due to this, constant pressure is put by the airline authority and government on flight attendants for ensuring passenger’s safety and following all COVID-19 protocols. Different restrictions are put by the government for minimizing the spread of viruses across the world. The impact of COVID-19 leads to the closure of businesses, schools and banks with the financial crisis and even in the airline industry, a high rate of unemployment is created which negatively impacts the mental health of flight attendants as it creates depression, stress and anxiety. As flight attendants due to their nature of jobs have to work long time shifts and long flying hours due to which sleep problems are faced by them. Before the journey begins and post-traumatic stress is led by occurrences of terrorist attacks and air accidents, flight attendants are frequently affected by anxiety.
According to Laovoravit et al (2021), handling travel during a pandemic is definitely not easy for flight attendants as in the airline industry there are strict new federal mask mandates. The Health and jobs of flight attendants are put at risk by non-compliant passengers every day as some of the passengers refused to properly wear a mask or adjust their face covering. This creates excessive worry and irritability and leads to depression and stress. Just by the nature of the work, flight attendants on a plane are more at risk from coronavirus. During a flight, flight attendants come within six feet of each traveller multiple times which is close quarters. When masks are removed by the passenger for drinking and eating, flight attendants are vulnerable to contracting the virus. Overburdened have been caused for flight attendants due to these kinds of problems with the impact of covid-19. Duty schedules are restructured by the flight attendants in the case of national flights to satisfy their employers and their customers. For flight attendants, there is limited federal protection and there is their own set of policies by each airline. COVID-19-related concerns for flight attendants include quarantine, varying policies on interaction tracing and testing which also leads to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Johanna (2021), stated that the entire flight is spent by some passengers by nibbling snacks or sipping from nearly empty cups when flight attendants are near. The toughest part of a flight attendant’s job which creates mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic is policing masks. It is observed by some of the flight attendants that the advantage of the mask is taken by the passenger’s exception for drinking and eating. Wearing masks is not liked by some of the passengers but keeping everyone protected and safe is vitally important for flight attendants. This is causing mental health problems in flight attendants and making their job more stressful. Some of the other concerns for flight attendants which cause mental health problems during the pandemic includes wanting to be bested, testing positive, waiting for test results and being exposed to COVID-19.
2.4 Physical Health Problems
According to Lieberman (2017), there might have consequential work-related health and safety implications due to the unique environmental and occupational characteristics of flight attendant employment which includes musculoskeletal injury and radiation exposure. From the exposure to the cabin environment, a diverse set of adverse health effects could arise such as inflammation, irritation, infection and long-term effects such as reproductive disorders, and neoplasm. For flight attendants, immediate physical health risks are exposure to contaminants, exposure to minor cuts, burns, stings or bites and exposure to infections. Flight attendants even during a routine trip come into interaction with some pretty nasty stuff. As the outcome of functioning unrestricted in the cabin or during an emergency flight from the aircraft, by flight attendants acute injuries are typically sustained. Then, passengers, flight attendants are 12 times more likely to be injured as it is required by them to spend more time stirring through aisles and galleys and especially checking passengers after cautioning of impending turbulence. Due to repeated movement and effort or constrained postures, musculoskeletal injuries are faced by flight attendants. Musculoskeletal symptoms are reported by up to 87% of flight attendants. Roeder (2018), identified that other exposures are also faced by flight attendants such as the extended periods in low-oxygen environments, vulnerability to flu, and other infectious respiratory diseases. Among flight attendants, sudden aeroplane movements or turbulence are the frequent causes.
According to Sigurdsson (2019), flight attendants most commonly report lower-back musculoskeletal disorders. With work-related psychological factors, musculoskeletal symptoms might be associated with flight attendants. During the work, it is expected by flight attendants to stand for long hours for fulfilling their responsibilities towards passengers and the organization. Various physical health problems arise as for supporting the body for long hours, stomach and lower back muscles are used by flight attendants and for regaining balance, flight attendants twist, stretch and bend their body. In most countries, flight attendants are cured as radiation workers. A radiation form that comes from outer space is cosmic ionizing radiation. Flight attendants at flight altitudes are unprotected to higher levels of ionizing radiation. Galactic cosmic radiation is included in cosmic radiation bare on aircraft. It is found that cancer in humans is caused by cosmic ionizing radiation. It is recommended by the European Cockpit Association to air carriers that new employees or flight attendants must be informed about the exposure to radiation before recruitment. Sigurdsson (2019), stated that flying fewer hours which reduces exposure time might help in reducing yearly limits of flight hours in the concern of flight safety. Similarly, by making use of options regarding the operation time (long haul/short haul), aircraft type, flight selection and retirement age, lifelong radiation exposures might be influenced by flight attendants. For providing the possibility of such career choices to flight attendants, airline operators are encouraged.
They are occupationally being exposed to higher levels of cosmic ionizing emission in flight and in a lifelong career, approximately 80 mSv. The whole received radiation dose is reduced with high-energy comic emission absorption and secondary radiation. With trends towards longer sector durations, there might be higher rates of exposure, particularly where long-haul polar routes are used. McNeely et al (2018), stated that damage to chromosomes is the adverse effect of radiation in flight attendants which leads to an increase in the risk of some cancers. Among flight attendants, an increased risk of malignant melanoma is noted due to ultraviolet light experience throughout layover. With increased prolonged exposure to radiation, lung cancers and other health issues are found in flight attendants. Blood oxygen levels tend to fall at high altitudes and a little breathlessness might be felt by some flight attendants. It has been observed with a number of studies across Nordic countries, Europe, and in Sweden, Germany, Iceland, Norway, the United States and Finland that in-flight attendants, there may be an around 40-50% rise in breast cancer incidence. For a condition such as breast cancer, the potential is greater for confounding as there exist non-occupational factors. Milosevic et al (2018) stated that due to harmful radiation, flight attendants are suffering from cancer. Among flight attendants, higher rates of breast, thyroid, uterine, gastrointestinal, cervical and melanoma cancers are found. Cancer of the stomach, liver, oesophagus, pancreas and colon is included in gastrointestinal cancers. The risk of developing melanoma is more than double among flight attendants. Unlike the general population, flight attendants are also exposed to more UV radiation. There might have a negative impact on reproductive outcomes of flight attendants due to occupational factors such as bending, irregular or long working hours, and standing.
According to Sigurdsson (2019), between 30.000 to 45.000 feet, the cruising altitude of the commercial aeroplane is commonly maintained. In-cabin air, the partial pressure of oxygen at cruising altitude is 25-30% lower than at sea level. With special filters, a part of the cabin air i.e. 40-50% is scoured and recirculates, while from the outside air, the remainder is derived. Depending on the compartment, the humidity on-board ranges from 6-18%. Between 40-70%, optimal humidity varies. Low levels of microorganisms are contained with the ventilation and air conditioning systems in aeroplanes due to which there exists transmission of numerous infectious airborne illnesses. Among the flight attendants, higher standard rates are reported of flu, cold and viral gastroenteritis. Mousavi et al (2020), stated that With the introduction of HEPA filters and the prohibition of smoking onboard, cabin air quality has enhanced significantly. The risk of disease transmission is effectively limited with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA). Clusters of infections might be occasionally caused due to person-to-person transmission in the aircraft. Influenza, SARS, meningitis, measles, coryza and tuberculosis are some of the clusters of infections. Furthermore, during a layover, flight attendants might be unprotected from infectious disease hazards. For years, flight attendants were unprotected from second-hand tobacco smoke. Lung cancer, stroke and coronary heart disease are some of the health conditions initiated by second-hand smoke.
According to Thakur et al (2020), some communicable diseases are the common lung disorders occurring in flight attendants that can cause respiratory symptoms. Among flight attendants, some common respiratory symptoms include dry throat, runny or stuffy nose, flu or cold, chest illness, bronchitis and wheezing. Air dryness is a general concern about air quality. Symptoms of irritation are caused by in-flight attendants with continued exposure to dry air. More throat, nasal and hand skin symptoms are experienced by flight attendants due to air quality. By toxic substances from ozone, engine bleeds air or bases within the traveller cabin, flight attendants might be unprotected from cabin air contamination. From cabin air contamination, many cases of severe symptoms have been stated.
2.4 Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic
According to Suk and Kim (2021), the airline industry is one of the industries that is threatened with the coronavirus pandemic. There has been a dramatic decrease in flight schedules. Airlines are looking for massive layoffs due to the pandemic. COVID-19 has negatively impacted the mental health of flight attendants and the problem of depression is found in many flight attendants during pandemics as in several parts of the world, different restrictions are put by the government which includes travel bans. Due to a lack of appetite for travel and border restrictions, airlines have cut back on flights. During the pandemic, airlines companies suffered from revenue loss which led to jobs cut and negatively impacted the health outcomes of flight attendants. Occupationally, different locations are visited by flight attendants and they need to interact with numerous unspecialized individuals. On the ground or after flights or during the flights, contact may be encountered by flight attendants. New policies have been implemented within the airline industry and it is the duty of flight attendants to remind passengers regarding wearing masks. Martin (2021), found that wearing a mask is refused by some of the passengers and it is found that a flight attendant is hit by the passenger in the arm as it was asked to wear a mask. Instructions provided by flight attendants are ignored by some of the passengers and they start fighting with them. With this, it is made challenging for flight attendants to manage and handle such types of passengers which have caused stress and negatively impacted their health. It is told by flight attendants that passengers are made more aggressive during the pandemic by policing them over mask policies. It is very stressful for flight attendants to miss work due to exposure to coronavirus. It is made compulsory for flight attendants to wear masks and gloves during their job duty.
According to Ellwood (2021), severe symptoms of stress and depression are shown by the flight attendants who were grounded at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Severe symptoms of anxiety are shown by those who were flying during this time. A variety of challenges were faced by flight attendants during regular times due to their unique job nature and off-beat work schedules. A new set of challenges is faced by flight attendants when the COVID-19 pandemic beached flights around the world. Due to the pandemic, flight attendants feared losing their jobs and to higher depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, this fear is linked. Flight attendants while flying during the pandemic worry about contracting the virus which leads to increased anxiety among them. With sophisticated air circulation systems and HEPA filters, the aeroplanes are kept cleaner and safe. Flight attendants are protected from viruses by implementing airline mask rules, electrostatic fog sanitizing and changes and procedures for reducing touchpoints but during the pandemic, planes are not totally risk free. Grout and Leggat (2021), stated that during the pandemic, health and safety is one of the top priorities for businesses and families. Also, flight attendants are worried by thinking that their jobs are more at risk due to the pandemic and on the other hand, during the pandemic, they are also worried about their decision to continue working. This situation with the impact of C0VID-19 has caused huge stress and affects their health negatively.
According to Johanna (2021), for protecting flight attendants during the pandemic, most effective policies are implemented by airline companies such as temperature check, contact tracing, blocking middle seats, and putting fines for refusing to wear masks. With the sanitation efforts of airlines, some flight attendants have started feeling comfortable during their job. As a result of refusing to wear masks on-board, hundreds of individuals are banned by airline companies from flying on the airline. Bergengruen (2020), stated that concerns were started to be expressed by the flight attendants due to the virus spread. They ask for permission to self-quarantine and disinfection supplies. A continuing shortage of basic protection is described by most flight attendants along with a lack of guidance for performing their job during pandemics. Many flight attendants were feeling forced to fly to keep their jobs due to the rapid spread of the outbreak and overlapping travel bans for months. As in some countries, travel restrictions were removed and flights started to fly, it is said by flight attendants that they are not provided with higher-grade cleaning products or medical-grade gloves which leads to job dissatisfaction among flight attendants. From wearing face masks or protective gloves, earlier flight attendants were barred. In late March, most airlines began allowing wearing masks to flight attendants. Widespread confusion was cited by the flight attendants about what will be done by different airlines without penalising flight attendants or docking pay. For limiting exposure, food and drink services are eliminated by many airlines on most flights so that adequate protection can be provided to flight attendants. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the job satisfaction level amongst the flight attendants was found to be as constant fear of air accidents existed.
According to Gibbs et al (2017), for performing safety functions on aircraft as well as customer service, flight attendants are trained and employed. Hence, much-needed characteristics include being calm, pleasant, quick-thinking, flexible and collected. Flight attendants are constantly uncovered to a range of job-related revelations such as high levels of occupational noise, poor cabin air quality, elevated ozone levels, cosmic ionizing radiation, pesticides from cabin disinfection, sexual and verbal harassment etc. A whole range of potentially very stressful elements is involved in the regular job of flight attendants. Contact restrictions, fear of the future due to job insecurity during the pandemic leads to an increase in symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Flight attendants during this pandemic are required to be mentally and physically healthy for performing their duties. But there is a decrease in the job satisfaction level of flight attendants. It is found that some of the flight attendants felt that before the pandemic, due to high safety standards of aircraft maintenance, they felt safe working on the plane. But during the pandemic, flight attendants are worried about their safety due to a fear of the virus spreading.
According to Marais and Sorrell (2020), strict quarantine and physical distancing measures have been issued by most countries. There is an increase in the workload of flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in flight operations, emergency operations and intensive cargo operations. All flight attendants are exposed to particularly high psychological stressors due to the COVID-19 crisis. There is an increase in the risk of infection for flight attendants due to contact with individuals at airports and cabins. Thus, the job satisfaction level and productivity of flight attendants are negatively impacted due to the pandemic. New norms are followed by flight attendants and after being under constant risk of being affected, services are provided by them. There is a rise in feelings of despair among flight attendants and a reduction in their morale.
2.5 Recommendations on how airlines can minimise the impact of COVID-19 on the health of cabin crew members
Passengers are starting to adapt as airlines add new safety regulations and cut services for stemming the spread of COVID-19. It is very important for airline companies to help flight attendants in overcoming and coping with potential problems which will provide them job satisfaction. It is recognized by the founding members of EPPSI that there is a great potential held by the present pandemic to negatively impact the ability of flight attendants to safely operate. Gilger (2021), identified that daily battles have been faced by flight attendants with passengers over masks onboard flights. On every single flight, flight attendants are dealing with mask compliance issues which are causing huge stress to them during their work. New cleaning methods must be used by airlines for ensuring the safety of flight attendants. “Dos and don’ts” should be added in detail by the airlines on preventing COVID-19 transmissions which help flight attendants. More emphasis is placed by the airlines on the cleanliness of the aircraft. As through the air, COVID-19 is mainly transmitted rather than touched surface, high-quality airline filtration must be touted by airlines for getting people back on board. Phadnis (2021), stated that wearing full personal protective equipment must be mandatory for flight attendants when flying domestic or internationally. Insurance must be provided by the airlines to their flight attendants which cover hospitalisation expenses. In case any flight attendant is tested positive for COVID-19, no leave should be deducted from salaries or entitlements for providing further support during the time of pandemic and this will also keep them satisfied with their job.
According to Puckett (2020), the new responsibilities of flight attendants are to uphold social disaffection in the cabin and to ensure travellers have the proper shielding gear and disinfecting tools. A fresh “hygiene professional” team of flight attendants must be implemented by the airlines by whom these new measures will be overseen as there is an increase in workload for flight attendants. This will help in providing job satisfaction to flight attendants as it will be felt by them that the organisation is making efforts. The grab-and-go style must be used by airlines for serving meals that will reduce the risk of virus transmission and provide satisfaction to flight attendants. Makeup requirements for female flight attendants must be ended temporarily by the airlines during the pandemic as flight attendants on some carriers donned head-to-toe protective gear. Johanna (2021), stated that masks should be worn by passengers for the sake of others and their well-being. Passengers refusing to mask up should be removed by the airlines. For mask infractions, airlines should ban travellers as this has caused huge stress to flight attendants which are impacting their mental health. Airlines must effectively follow contact tracing, quarantine and testing standards for addressing the concerns of flight attendants and keeping them satisfied with their job. Under specific circumstances, testing should be made mandatory for flight attendants and other staff members at an airline. The airlines during the pandemic must instruct flight attendants to continue work and monitor for symptoms.
According to Akhtar (2021), greater consistency must be provided by the airlines in safety protocols and most effective policies must be practised such as temperature checks, blocking middle seats etc. Flight attendants will worry less about getting infected on board with additional spraying of cabins and maintaining physical distancing. It will make flight attendants feel safer to know that flight has been disinfected. On aeroplanes and inside airports, it should be made compulsory for passengers and staff to wear masks. For flight attendants exposed to COVID-19, 14-day quarantine periods must be granted by the airline which should be paid for flight attendants which will help in protecting the rest of the flight attendants and providing job satisfaction to them. Flexible sick leave and supportive practises and policies should be implemented by the airlines. Accurate information must be provided to flight attendants about COVID-19 and the risk of exposure. Sarma (2021), identified that disposable disinfectant wipes must be provided to them and all applicable federal regulations must be followed. Effective initiatives must be taken by airlines for ensuring the safety and health of flight attendants such as the use of innovative technologies for cleaning cabins.
CHAPTER 3- METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The methodology used for analysing flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level during a global COVID-19 pandemic will be described in this section. The research philosophy and approach will be explained in this chapter. Further, this chapter will include research methods, sampling technique and sample size. Both primary and secondary information use will be done effectively and a mono method is the research strategy that the researcher will implement. There are different methods for analysing the collected data which will be described in this chapter. For understanding the position of the research in the concerned literature area, the limitations of the research are also stated. Ethical considerations will also be summarised which are taken by the researcher.
3.2 Research Philosophy
A system of assumptions and beliefs about knowledge developed is research philosophy. The way of analysing, collecting and using the data is established by the research philosophy. For determining the suitable philosophical approach for this study, the practical implication of all philosophy has been analysed by the researcher. The four major types of philosophies named as pragmatism, realism, interpretivism and positivism can be used by the researcher (Zukauskas et al. 2018). For facilitating effective conduct of the research, different types of philosophy are there which the researcher can adapt. The researcher has pursued a positivism research philosophy for this research. A detailed and rational analysis of the subject matter is involved in the positivism philosophy and through this philosophy, the research is conducted in an efficient manner. As detailed in-depth analysis is undertaken by the positivism philosophy of the subject matter, this philosophy is suitable for this research. The collected data can be generalised through positivism philosophy. On quantitative data, the positivism philosophy is based.
Hypothesis formulation and testing are required in positivism philosophy through analysis and collection of data, therefore for pursuing it, quantifiable data is required. It is considered by interpretivism philosophy that only through shared meaning, language, instruments and consciousness, connection with reality is possible. On qualitative data, this philosophy is based and as the data is heavily impacted by personal opinions and values, it cannot be generalised. For a mono method, the pragmatism philosophy advocates and practical and legal data is required for investigating the problem (Simpson, 2017). All the logical and real-life aspects of the subject matter are taken into consideration by a realism philosophy. This study will be created on the online methods of facts collected due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3.3 Research Approaches
An essential part is formed by the research approach in the research. The deductive approach and inductive approach are the two types of research approaches. A new theory development comes under the inductive approach and the existing theory related to the subject is tested under the deductive approach. The researcher can reach relevant conclusions with the help of a deductive approach through a set of available data. Inferences and conclusions are analysed with the help of an inductive approach and a detailed background is made regarding the research subject matter (Danaee Fard, 2020). For obtaining a testable conclusion, the researcher can use the existing premises with the help of the abduction approach.
For finding out the problems faced by flight attendants during the COVID-91 pandemic, the inductive approach has been used in this research. For the research topic i.e. analysing flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level during a global COVID-19 pandemic, this approach is suitable as there is limited research on this topic. Flexibility is provided by the inductive approach as following the predetermined data is not required by the researcher.
The researcher has not implemented the deductive approach as along with making the observation test, the existing rules need to be presented. Also, further changes could be implemented with the application of the deductive approach which would affect the conclusions that are formed (Azungah, 2018). Only existing concepts and theories are analysed under the deductive approach and new theory creation is not supported by this method and this is the reason for choosing the inductive approach rather than the deductive approach.
3.4 Research Design
For this research, an online questionnaire has been used as data collection. Direct contact has been avoided in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. Therefore, for collecting primary data from the sample, an online questionnaire has been selected as the best possible option. The mono method of data collection has been used in this research study which includes quantitative research methodology. This method is associated with the one research approach used for a given study.
Quantitative research
For testing a hypothesis, quantitative research deals with the statistical data and numbers by collecting and analysing the ideas proposed by numerous studies. Different graphs and numbers are used in the qualitative research strategy to express the entire research. Flexibility is offered to the researcher by this method and also meaningful insights are reflected that are aligned with the research aim (Queiros et al. 2017). For presenting the data in numerical terms, the investigator has applied the quantitative research technique. An online survey has been conducted to obtain data of quantitative nature and more accurate data is collected directly from the respondents. Establishing a physical setting is avoided due to the COVID-19 pandemic constraints and therefore the online survey method has been pursued by the researcher. Charts and graphs have been used for analysing data obtained.
The literature review section has also been included in the research which is based on theoretical data or non-numeric data through which in-depth insight is obtained about the research area. The investigator has used the literature review for the research which helps in saving investigators’ time and money. For ensuring the in-depth examination of the study problem with the aid of rich information from the previous literature that is extremely specific to the investigation problem, the literature review has been also included in this research (Hamilton and Finley, 2019). Several books, newspapers and journals have been used by the researcher for collecting data for literature review.
3.5 Data Collection Methods
The process of assessing and gathering data on variables of concern, in a recognized fashion that allows one to respond to specific research questions, check hypotheses and assess results is data collection. The researcher has adopted a mono methodology for this research. The help of both secondary and primary data has been taken for the effective completion of the research. Deep insights are attained by the researcher about the research topic. For collecting data of primary nature, an online survey through questionnaire is conducted. Information about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on flight attendants’ mental and physical health has been gained with the application of quantitative data. Research aims and objectives will be gained with the help of the data collected by the investigator.
From different journals, newspapers, books, articles, magazines etc, published on Google Scholar and different websites, the secondary information has been obtained by the researcher. For using relevant data about the impact of COVID-19 on flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level, the investigator has effectively read, analysed, accessed and compared the whole data that is gathered from secondary sources. Only secure and recent sources have been used to collect information and as the information is used in the literature review, it has been sourced effectively by the researcher (Kalu et al 2019).
By using the questionnaire method, the primary data for the research is obtained for acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on flight attendants’ mental and physical health. In comprehending the opinions of flight attendants working in different airlines and analysing the pandemic impact efficiently, the primary research is beneficial. Through survey, the primary data collected helped in asking respondents’ opinion on the job satisfaction level, mental health issues and physical health issues faced by flight attendants during the pandemic (Rahi et al. 2019).
Survey Questionnaire method
For recognising designs in the characteristics and activities of a definite population by a set of organised questionnaires, survey questionnaire method is very effective. Through the online mode, questionnaires will be prepared and circulated for conducting surveys and with the help of BOS, the responses have been obtained. For preparing the questionnaire, BOS will be used.
3.6 Population
Choosing a suitable sample size is very important for the researcher. Flight attendants working in different airlines are the target population for the primary research. To the flight attendants, the online survey was addressed. In this, the researcher was able to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on flight attendants’ mental and physical health. The investigator tries to reach flight attendants working in different airlines. For evaluating the impact of pandemic on job satisfaction level and mental and physical health of flight attendants, both senior and junior flight attendants were included in the study. Conducting the survey among flight attendants determined the mental and physical health problems faced by them and the impact of covid-19 on their health. In this way, an online questionnaire helped in meeting the objectives of this research.
3.7 Sampling Techniques
100 respondents will be selected from the entire flight attendants of the UK as a sample of this research. Non-random sampling is a sample in which unit selection is based on factors other than random chance, e.g. prior experience, convenience or the researcher's judgement. Some of the non-random sampling methods include purposive sample, convenience sampling, quota sample, voluntary response sampling and snowball sample. Effective collection and analysis of data is facilitated with non-random sampling. For effectively conducting the entire research work, both the sample type and sample size has been effectively chosen. Both convenience sampling and purposive sampling has been used in this study as a sample technique by which the selection has been done as per the study requirements (Bhardwaj, 2019).
A type of nonprobability sampling in which individuals are sampled simply because they are a “convenient” source of data for investigators is convenience sampling. Random selection of participants is not included in this sampling technique. In a short duration of time, the data collection can be facilitated with this technique. This method is used by the researcher as the data is immediately available. For getting the information needed, it is not important to approach specific demographics (Bhardwaj, 2019). A wealth of qualitative information is provided by this sampling method. The sample selection is not random, which the disadvantage of convenient sampling is.
A form of non-probability sampling in which investigators depend on their own judgment when selecting participants of the population to take part in their surveys is purposive sampling (Campbell et al. 2020). As there is a limited number of primary data sources, purposive sampling is an appropriate method. One of the advantages of this sampling technique is low margin of error. Using the purposive sampling approach, a lower margin of error is achieved by the research as information collected by them comes straight from the source (Regoli, 2019).
3.8 Sample Size
Through an online questionnaire, the information from respondents will be gathered regarding the impact of COVID-19 on flight attendant’s mental and physical health. The researcher aimed to collect information from 100 respondents. For analysing the data and its trends, the SPSS software has been used by the researcher. For getting information about the research subject, the questionnaire has been posted on different social media platforms. Also, on the cabin crew groups, the online questionnaire was published such as Flight Attendant Club, Emirates Airline-Cabin Crew, Ryanair Cabin Crew and BA Cabin Crew. Also, it has been revealed by the researcher that in which airline companies the flight attendants work and permission is sought from the line managers of flight attendants. For encouraging a higher response rate, the researcher will send reminders.
3.9 Data Analysis
In every research work, analysis of data is very important as data analysis efficiency, study results and conclusions are dependent. The meta-analysis of the literature review is steered for the data analysis process in the current research by focusing on set research objectives. For accessing the value of the sign used from the prevailing literature parts to exactly appraisal the interrelation of the variables alongside with growing the generalisation of the results, the meta-analysis is adopted here. Interrelation among the different research outcomes is found by the researcher that is successful for drawing a valid conclusion (Gurevitch et al. 2018). In this way, for formulating concepts and theories from available sources, the meta-analysis of the review of the writing is a beneficial method. For describing the basic actions that are elaborate in the survey information, the descriptive analysis method is used. There is a summarised description analysed for each variable from the available data.
3.10 Research Ethics
Throughout the research, ethical consideration has been strictly maintained. All the ethical standards are well considered by the researcher and all the rules and regulations are followed for data collection. Complete confidentiality has been maintained by the researcher of responses of participants. Various ways have been followed by the researcher for confirming adherence to ethical consideration. Respondent’s identity is protected by whom responses were obtained against the questionnaire questions. This research purpose was informed by the investigator to the respondents before collecting their responses. Identity and privacy of all the respondents are kept secure and private and it is ensured that only authorised personnel can access it. Also, it is not compulsory for the respondents to answer all the questions and questions can be skipped by them (Knottnerus and Tugwell, 2018). Prior consent has been taken from the respondents by the researcher for maintaining the ethical codes of primary research.
It was instructed to all participants in the survey that at any time they can withdraw as survey participation is completely voluntary. The investigator while leading the research is obliged to retain the rights of the members and doesn’t discover any data without taking genuine assent from the members. In the current research, only reliable and authentic secondary data sources have been used by the research and required in-texting and referencing has been given for maintaining the rights of authors. In the study, plagiarism has been also avoided by the researcher and effective efforts have been put for ethically completing the research (Kara and Pickering, 2017).
3.11 Research validity and reliability
It is important to evaluate the chosen research methodology for its effectiveness in attending the current research purpose. The two key measures that help in assessing the research methodology used by the investigator are the validity and reliability of the research methods (Mohajan, 2017). This research method is embraced by examining numerous portions of literature that goes to the same study setting so that a recognised study methodology validates its use in the existing research.
Validity- By the extent to which the selected set of study approaches can govern the study constraints as planned by the investigator; the validity of the research is measured. By comparing the expected results and actual outcomes, it can be evaluated. The existing pieces of literature were analysed in the research in which the four major criteria of validation are scope, audience, purpose and format. All these criteria are sufficed in the literature review done in this research that validates the embracing of literature review as a method in this study.
Reliability- Research method reliability is well-defined by the efficiency of the study tool used by the investigator to create reliable results. For finding relevant pieces of literature, the search study used in this research uses effective structure and technique that can be useful in other investigations for producing results as efficiently as in the existing investigation.
3.12 Research Limitations
The literature review is a very comprehensive, long and time-consuming process that needs consideration of viewpoints of different investigators in carrying out their own studies. The risk of data misinterpretation is contained in this as in a different context, the researchers have researched. Therefore, various biases, confusions and errors can be created due to the complete dependency or over-dependency of current research on the previous research data. As this research also involves human participation through an online survey, the research can be impacted due to individuals’ preferences and perception. Also, based on the respondents’ opinions and viewpoints, the results are drawn in the research.
3.13 Summary
The research methodology that the researcher has adopted for visualising the entire research systematically has been summarised in this chapter. In the research, the research philosophy used is positivism and by using the inductive approach, the study further has been completed. In the current study, the quantitative as well as qualitative research strategy has been used. For understanding the reason behind choosing the method, the justification of using each strategy and methods are also provided. This chapter has been stated to have chosen methodology limitation and the ethical considerations by the investigator.
Chapter 4: Result
The research aims to analyse flight attendants’ physical and mental health and the level of job satisfaction flight attendants have during the pandemic. Sample size has an important role in the data collection and conducting research, so when the research is based on a specific community, then it is important to communicate with both male and woman members from the community or group. A total number of 134 flight attendants responded to the questions, and the questions were sent to the crew members of different airlines. As per the response received from the crew members (table 1), it is observed that a more percentage of females attended have responded with the participation of 61.19%. Whereas a less percentage of male members have responded to the questionnaire and male members contribution is 38.81%.
TABLE 1: Responses
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
Male |
52 |
38.8 |
Female |
82 |
61.2 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
A total number of 52 males responded to the questionnaire. On the other hand, 82 female members responded to the questionnaire. The other concerning factor is age, as job satisfaction can differ between different age groups, and the impact of Covid-19 has also shown its different impact on different age groups. For this, researchers have made three age groups, and the age groups are 18-25 years, 26-34 years, and 35-43 years (table 2).
TABLE 2: Variation of collected responses based on the age
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
18-25 years |
80 |
59.7 |
26-34 years |
47 |
35.1 |
|
35-43 years |
7 |
5.2 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
The major focus is put on the attendants from the age group of 18-25 years, and the majority of the response of 80 is from this age group. Whereas response from the age group of 26-34 years is 47 and 35-43 years is 7. Now working experience if the attendant is also important, so a total of four categories was made based on the years of working and the categories are less than a year, 1-3 years, 4-6 years and more than six years. The category of 1-3 years gave maximum responses of 61, which makes the contribution of 45.5% next to these attendants working from less than a year gave 43 responses which makes the contribution of 32.1%. The next category is 4-6 years with 18 responses that are 13.4%, and the remaining response is from the attendants who have been working for more than six years (table 3).
TABLE 3: Variation of the collected responses base on the working experiences
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
Less than a year |
43 |
32.1 |
1-3 years |
61 |
45.5 |
|
4-6 years |
18 |
13.4 |
|
More than 6 years |
12 |
9.0 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
On the other hand, due to Covid-19 hand, the change in the work culture has led to the occurrence of different health issues. As per the table 4, the common health issues are fatigue, sleepiness, anxiety, musculoskeletal injury, reproductive disorders, and other issues. From the collected data, a conclusion is drawn that fatigue is the most common health issue found among the flight attendants, and 65 attendants agreed on the problem of fatigue. Whereas sleepiness is the next health issue, on which 29 attendants agreed. On the other hand, 18 attendants agreed that anxiety is the health issue that these attendants were going through. From the data obtained, it is concluded that the maximum attendants fight with the problem of fatigue.
TABLE 4: Health issues occurs due to change in working culture
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
Fatigue |
65 |
48.5 |
Sleepiness |
29 |
21.6 |
|
Anxiety |
18 |
13.4 |
|
Musculoskeletal injury |
10 |
7.5 |
|
Reproductive disorders |
5 |
3.7 |
|
other |
4 |
3.0 |
|
Total |
131 |
97.8 |
|
|
Missing System |
3 |
2.2 |
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
After knowing the common health issues, it also becomes important to resolve the health issues, and so it is crucial to know the reason for the occurrence of the health problem. So in order to obtain the common reasons which are giving high rise in the health problem, researchers enquired attendants with the help of the question ‘what increases the incidence of health problems in flight attendants’ (table 5). By this, irregular working hours came up as the most common issue, which is increasing the health problem, and a majority of 80 attendants agreed that irregular working hours are creating a health problem for them. Whereas 19 attendants mentioned high blood pressure as the reason behind the health problem. Fourteen attendants also agreed on the fact that night work is affecting their health, and this has given rise to the health problem. So if the health condition of the attendants needed to be improved, then the working hours of the attendants needed to be regularized.
TABLE 5: Reason behind the health condition variation
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
Irregular working hours |
80 |
59.7 |
Shift work |
2 |
1.5 |
|
Night work |
14 |
10.4 |
|
High Blood Pressure |
19 |
14.2 |
|
Disease of the lungs and heart |
6 |
4.5 |
|
All of the above |
13 |
9.7 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
When a disease is known for its high spread or when the recovery rate is also low, then it develops a negative mindset, and the chance of the same is in the case of the covid-19 pandemic. For getting views of the attendants, it was asked that the covid-19 pandemic is impacting the mental health of the flight attendants. As per the table 6, the majority of 56 attendants agreed on this, whereas 52 attendants strongly agreed that the pandemic is putting an impact on the mental health of the flight attendants. However, the number of attendants who disagreed or strongly disagreed that the covid-19 has any type of impact on mental health is very less. The obtained data helps in drawing a conclusion that the Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on the mental health of flight attendants.
TABLE 6: Impact of the COVID-19 on flight attendants mental health
Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting mental health of flight attendants? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Strongly agree |
52 |
38.8 |
|
Agree |
56 |
41.8 |
|
|
Neutral |
18 |
13.4 |
|
|
Disagree |
5 |
3.7 |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
3 |
2.2 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Further, It is commonly observed that one issue with the health condition of a person also gave rise to the other health issue, so for checking the fact that the covid-19 pandemic is impacting flight attendants’ physical health, the question was raised to the attendants. Again as per the table 7, the majority of the attendants agreed on this that the pandemic is affecting the physical health condition of the flight attendants. At the same time, 42 attendants said that there might be no impact or there may be no impact on the physical health of the flight attendants. Thirty attendants strongly agreed; on the other hand, very few attendants disagreed on the fact. This shows that many of the flight attendants have faced physical issues due to the pandemic.
TABLE 7: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical health
Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting flight attendants’ physical health? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Strongly agree |
30 |
22.4 |
|
Agree |
50 |
37.3 |
|
|
Neutral |
42 |
31.3 |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
12 |
9.0 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Job security not only provides security or impact on learning but sometimes it has its impact on mental health. The table 8 is used for checking the validity, attendants have been asked, ‘how do you think the fear of job loss during Covid-19 could impact your mental health’. Researchers have given names of some of the mental health issues like depression, stress, anxiety, and the maximum of 73 attendants agreed that the fear of job loss has an impact on health conditions which can result in depression, stress, anxiety. At the same time, 29 attendants agreed that anxiety is a common mental health problem due to the fear of job loss during a pandemic. Job loss has multiple impacts, and the biggest impact is on the financial condition.
TABLE 8: Analysis of Job fear on mental health during pandemic
How do you think the fear of job loss during Covid-19 could impact your mental health? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Depression |
8 |
6.0 |
|
Stress |
24 |
17.9 |
|
|
Anxiety |
29 |
21.6 |
|
|
All of the above |
73 |
54.5 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Continuous lockdown in many parts of the world has created an environment of job loss. When attendants were asked if they were afraid of losing their job due to the covid-19 pandemic, the majority of the attendants said yes. Whereas as per table 9, 53 attendants said to some extent, they are afraid of losing their job due to the pandemic, and this gives the idea that the pandemic has created a fear in the attendants of losing their job.
TABLE 9: Rate of the afraid related to job losses during pandemic
Are you afraid of losing your job due to COVID-19 pandemic? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Yes |
62 |
46.3 |
|
No |
19 |
14.2 |
|
|
To some extent |
53 |
39.6 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Due to the pandemic, the majority of the organizations have changed their working norms, and the same has happened with the aviation industry, and employees need to follow some of the specific norms. These norms were deployed for providing a safe working environment but also impacted job satisfaction. Going with the question (table 10), how would you rate job satisfaction during the covid-19 pandemic, and 63 attendants were unable to mark the job satisfaction as poor or high. At the same time, 33 attendants said that the job satisfaction was poor during the pandemic, and only eight attendants agreed that they had high job satisfaction during the pandemic.
TABLE 10: Rate of Job satisfaction during COVID-19 pandemic
As a flight attendant, how would you rate you job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Very strongly |
8 |
6.0 |
|
Strongly |
23 |
17.2 |
|
|
Neutral |
63 |
47.0 |
|
|
Poor |
33 |
24.6 |
|
|
Very poor |
7 |
5.2 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
As covid-19 is a wide-spreading disease and has transmission due to the physical touch and it’s important to know ‘did spread of covid-19 cause stress to flight attendants’. Then it is observed that 104 attendants said that there is stress in the flight attendants due to the spread of covid-19 (table 11). Most of the countries have sealed their borders due to this, the flights have been highly affected, so there is an insecurity with the job to the flight attendants. Furthermore, the table 12 helps to validate the fact, question of job insecurity due to covid-19 and most of the 61 attendants strongly agreed that there is job insecurity due to the spread of covid-19. Whereas only one attendant strongly disagreed and so it can be said that job insecurity has risen due to the spread of covid-19.
TABLE 11: Impact of COVID-19 spread on flight attendance stress
Did the spread of COVID-19 cause stress to flight attendants? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Yes |
104 |
77.6 |
|
No |
4 |
3.0 |
|
|
To some extent |
26 |
19.4 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
TABLE 12: Analysis of The Job insecurity during spreading of COVID-19
Do you agree that job insecurity become one of issues during the spread of Covid-19 for flight attendants? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Strongly agree |
61 |
45.5 |
|
Agree |
60 |
44.8 |
|
|
Neutral |
11 |
8.2 |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
1 |
.7 |
|
|
Total |
133 |
99.3 |
|
|
M |
Missing System |
1 |
.7 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Moreover, the next question was based on knowing whether flight attendants agree that the covid-19 spread is the prime source of mental and physical health issues for the flight attendants. According to table 13, approx. 77 attendants agreed with the point that the spread of covid-19 is the prime source of mental and physical health issues. However, a very small number of attendants disagreed with the point. But in the case of the question which raised the point that with the decline in the covid-19 cases the health and mental issues have also declined the result showed a variation. As per the table 14, 47 attendants agreed that with the decline in the covid-19, there is the decline in the mental and health issues on the other 43 attendants are unable to mark, and 23 attendants have disagreed with the point. The mixed answer on the point indicates that there is a mixed impact of the decline of the covid-19 on mental and physical health issues.
TABLE 13: Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and physical health issues
Do you agree that Covid-19 pandemic was a source of both mental and physical health issues at work of flight attendants? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Strongly agree |
37 |
27.6 |
|
Agree |
77 |
57.5 |
|
|
Neutral |
15 |
11.2 |
|
|
Disagree |
4 |
3.0 |
|
|
Total |
133 |
99.3 |
|
|
|
Missing System |
1 |
.7 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
TABLE 14: Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 decline case on mental and health issues
Do you agree that with the decline of COVID-19 cases, health and mental issues have also declined? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Strongly agree |
19 |
14.2 |
|
Agree |
47 |
35.1 |
|
|
Neutral |
43 |
32.1 |
|
|
Disagree |
23 |
17.2 |
|
|
Strongly disagree |
2 |
1.5 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
As covid-19 brought many changes in the working of the organization, so flight attendants also have to go through some of the changes like wearing a mask. Covid-19 testing, keeping an eye on passengers to maintain the safety protocols. Ninety-five attendants said that these all changes have been applied by the aviation industry for maintaining workplace safety (table 15). Where 21 attendants validated that wearing a mask is the biggest change that they have seen due to pandemics, and the second change is that now attendants have to keep eyes on the passengers about safety protocols.
TABLE 15: Analysis of the changes bought due to COVID-19
What are the changes brought due to COVID-19 pandemic for flight attendants?. |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Mask wearing |
21 |
15.7 |
|
Covid testing |
8 |
6.0 |
|
|
Keeping eye on passengers about safety protocols |
10 |
7.5 |
|
|
All of the above |
95 |
70.9 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Working during a pandemic has also brought many insecurity and issues to the flight attendants. Researchers have given many options like sleep-related problems, fatigue and depression, fear and uncertainty, and all of the above. As per table 16, among these, 52 attendants went with the option all of the above, which means attendants agreed that all the above-mentioned health issues are faced by the flight attendants during work regardless of covid-19.
TABLE 16: Analysis of the health related issues faced by the flight attendants
What type of health-related issues are faced by flight attendants during their work regardless of Covid-19? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Sleep related problem |
26 |
19.4 |
|
Fatigue and depression |
29 |
21.6 |
|
|
Fear and uncertainty |
14 |
10.4 |
|
|
All of the above |
52 |
38.8 |
|
|
Total |
121 |
90.3 |
|
|
|
Missing System |
13 |
9.7 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Whereas due to covid-19, there are multiple factors that raised stress among the flight attendants during the period of the pandemic. Researchers helped by providing various options to the attendants like fear of getting affected by the coronavirus, job loss, salary cuts, work overload, and all of the above. Again a majority of 53 attendants agreed all the above factors caused stress among the flight attendants, whereas 30 attendants went with the salary cut as a reason for the stress among the attendants. Twenty-five attendants accepted that there was fear of getting affected by the coronavirus, and 22 attendants reported that they got stressed due to the fear of job loss. In table 17, the obtained data suggest that the majority of the attendants were under stress due to various factors during the pandemic phase.
TABLE 17: Analysis of the major cause of stress during COVID-19 pandemic
In your opinion, what are the major causes of stress among the flight attendants during COVID-19 pandemic? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Fear of being affected by coronavirus |
25 |
18.7 |
|
Job Loss |
22 |
16.4 |
|
|
Salary cuts |
30 |
22.4 |
|
|
Work overload |
4 |
3.0 |
|
|
All of the above |
53 |
39.6 |
|
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
The next question raised by the researchers was for knowing reasons behind mental health problems faced by flight attendants while working in the pandemic. Again there were multiple options like high rate of unemployment in the airline industry, changing rules and new covid-19 protocols, fear of getting affected by covid-19, and all of the above. Here the table 18 represent the analysis of the different mental health reasons. As per the analysis, 65 attendants agreed that all of the above factors are the prime reason for mental health problems which are with the flight attendants. Whereas 39 attendants mentioned a high rate of unemployment in the airline industry as a reason for mental health problems, 15 went with the changing norms, and 13 with the fear of getting affected by covid-19.
TABLE 18: Analysis of the reasons behind the flight attendants mental health
What are the reasons behind mental health problems faced by flight attendants during Coronavirus? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
High rate of unemployment in the airline industry |
39 |
29.1 |
|
Changing rules and new COVID-19 protocols |
15 |
11.2 |
|
|
Fear of getting affected by Covid-19 |
13 |
9.7 |
|
|
All of the above |
65 |
48.5 |
|
|
Total |
132 |
98.5 |
|
|
|
Missing System |
2 |
1.5 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
For reducing health issues, flight attendants need to take some of the measures, and in the way of answering, a majority of 93 attendants agreed that there is multiple factor-like wearing facemasks, sanitizing, eating healthy, avoiding personal touch can be measure for overcoming the issues during the pandemic. On the other hand, as per table 19, 16 attendants said that wearing a facemask can help them in overcoming the health issues during the covid-19 pandemic. However, 12 attendants gave their support to eating healthy and 9 to the sanitizing for overcoming the health issues. Airline industries also have some sort of responsibilities and take care of health and safety during the covid-19 pandemic (table 20). In this, 41 attendants agreed that companies are taking steps like preventative disinfection and routine cleaning of aircraft. Whereas 25 attendants went with the step of infection control measures such as PPE, but 49 attendants agreed that companies are taking all these common steps for helping flight attendants and taking care of their health and safety during the covid-19 pandemic.
TABLE 19: Analysis of the measures taken by the flight attendants to overcome health issues.
What are the measures that can be taken by flight attendants to overcome health issues during COVID-19 pandemic? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Wearing facemasks |
16 |
11.9 |
|
Sanitizing |
9 |
6.7 |
|
|
Eating healthy |
12 |
9.0 |
|
|
Avoiding personal touch |
3 |
2.2 |
|
|
All of the above |
93 |
69.4 |
|
|
Total |
133 |
99.3 |
|
|
|
Missing System |
1 |
.7 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
TABLE 20: Analysis of the process helps the flight attendants to manage health and safety
How aviation companies are helping flight attendants and taking care of their health and safety during Covid-19 pandemic? |
||||
|
Frequency |
Percent |
|
|
|
Compulsory temperature screening |
6 |
4.5 |
|
Infection Control Measures such as PPE |
25 |
18.7 |
|
|
Preventative Disinfection and Routine Cleaning of Aircraft |
41 |
30.6 |
|
|
Effective Quarantine Management |
9 |
6.7 |
|
|
All of the above |
49 |
36.6 |
|
|
Total |
130 |
97.0 |
|
|
|
Missing System |
4 |
3.0 |
|
Total |
134 |
100.0 |
|
|
Although the flight attendants have been facing issues like poor air quality, oxygen level, turbulence, humidity etc. and due to these factors, there is stress to the flight attendants. This stress is creating many mental and physical health problems, but in recent times, the pandemic has created a more stressful working environment for flight attendants. Irregular contact with family and friends is also among the other reasons for the creation of stress in the flight attendants. Irregular contact is the result of the irregular working hours and lack of holidays, as, during their job, attendants have multiple responsibilities, and during the pandemic, the responsibilities have raised too high along with keeping themselves safe. Job insecurity is also one of the reasons behind the stress, and during the pandemic, the flights have almost got closed due to the lockdown in the majority of the parts of the world. Lockdown gave rise to the unemployment rate in the airline industry and salary cutting. In comparison, several complaints have been received by aviation safety officials associated with enforcing the mask safety rules and unsupportive behaviour of the passengers in maintaining the covid-19 norms. This created two-sided pressure on the flight attendants, one from the side of companies to maintain the covid-19 norms and the other to keep themselves safe during the pandemic. This peer pressure on the flight attendants has created a negative impact on the mental health condition of the attendants, and this results in depression, sleeplessness, anxiety and many more problems related to mental health. The biggest problem with the flight attendants is that they need to work on the flight which is flying at a high altitude, and due to this, the blood oxygen level drops and attendants feel breathless. The next problem is that the attendant needs to go through exposure to a high level of cosmic ionizing emission in flight which can cause cancer. This is the reason for the physical health issues of the flight attendants. But the covid-19 pandemic brought new challenges to the flight attendant where they needed to deal with the safety of the passengers and their own safety too. Along with it, there are many new norms and restrictions introduced by the airline industries regarding the covid-19 pandemic, and norms included compulsion on wearing masks, need of covid-19 reports before boarding a flight etc. During the pandemic reducing touch points and sanitizing the important touch points came as an important point. These new norms created an environment with high stress and restless working hours for the flight attendants. The high stress and restless working hours become a reason for the physical as well as mental health issues of the flight attendant. Whereas getting infected by coronavirus became more threatful for attendants, and this also created a high level of stress. But airline companies observed the threat and the stress the attendants have, so companies started providing PPE kits to the attendants, facilities for covid-19 test and many more to make the attendant safe from the pandemic. Along with this, companies started providing training of hygiene to the attendants to maintain the sanitization of the flight and touch areas in the flight so that passengers, as well as attendants, can be safe from the pandemic. Some of the companies provided the facility of quarantine to the attendants and also implemented the policy of flexible leaves. Further, the below cross tab analysis has been helps to analyzed the collected information efficiently.
Cross Tabs analysis
What is your gender? * How long have you been working as a flight attendant?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
How long have you been working as a flight attendant? |
Total |
|
||||
Less than a year |
1-3 years |
4-6 years |
More than 6 years |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
18 |
25 |
7 |
2 |
52 |
|
Female |
25 |
36 |
11 |
10 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
43 |
61 |
18 |
12 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
2.768a |
3 |
.429 |
What is your gender? * What are the health issues faced by flight attendants
Crosstab |
|
||||||||
Count |
|
||||||||
|
What are the health issues faced by flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||||
Fatigue |
Sleepiness |
Anxiety |
Musculoskeletal injury |
Reproductive disorders |
other |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
24 |
12 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
50 |
|
Female |
41 |
17 |
11 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
81 |
|
|
Total |
65 |
29 |
18 |
10 |
5 |
4 |
131 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
.700a |
5 |
.983 |
What is your gender? * Based on your experience and observations, what increase the incidence of health problems in flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||||
Count |
|
||||||||
|
Based on your experience and observations, what increases the incidence of health problems in flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||||
Irregular working hours |
Shift work |
Night work |
High Blood Pressure |
Disease of the lungs and heart |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
34 |
2 |
6 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
52 |
|
Female |
46 |
0 |
8 |
16 |
2 |
10 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
80 |
2 |
14 |
19 |
6 |
13 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
11.265a |
5 |
.046 |
What is your gender? * Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting mental health of flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the mental health of flight attendants? |
Total |
|
|||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
22 |
21 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
52 |
|
Female |
30 |
35 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
52 |
56 |
18 |
5 |
3 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
2.214a |
4 |
.696 |
What is your gender? * Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting flight attendants’ physical health?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting flight attendants’ physical health? |
Total |
|
||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
12 |
22 |
15 |
3 |
52 |
|
Female |
18 |
28 |
27 |
9 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
30 |
50 |
42 |
12 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
1.718a |
3 |
.633 |
What is your gender? * How do you think the fear of job loss during Covid-19 could impact your mental health?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
How do you think the fear of job loss during Covid-19 could impact your mental health? |
Total |
|
||||
Depression |
Stress |
Anxiety |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
5 |
12 |
10 |
25 |
52 |
|
Female |
3 |
12 |
19 |
48 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
24 |
29 |
73 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
4.025a |
3 |
.259 |
What is your gender? * Are you afraid of losing your job due to COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||
Count |
|
|||||
|
Are you afraid of losing your job due to COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||
Yes |
No |
To some extent |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
24 |
5 |
23 |
52 |
|
Female |
38 |
14 |
30 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
62 |
19 |
53 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
1.719a |
2 |
.423 |
What is your gender? * As a flight attendant, how would you rate your job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
As a flight attendant, how would you rate you job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||||
Very strongly |
Strongly |
Neutral |
Poor |
Very poor |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
5 |
10 |
24 |
11 |
2 |
52 |
|
Female |
3 |
13 |
39 |
22 |
5 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
23 |
63 |
33 |
7 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
2.841a |
4 |
.585 |
What is your gender? * Did the spread of COVID-19 cause stress to flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
|||||
Count |
|
|||||
|
Did the spread of COVID-19 cause stress to flight attendants? |
Total |
|
|||
Yes |
No |
To some extent |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
39 |
2 |
11 |
52 |
|
Female |
65 |
2 |
15 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
104 |
4 |
26 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
.420a |
2 |
.811 |
|
|||
What is your gender? * Do you agree that job insecurity became one of the issues during the spread of Covid-19 for flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
Do you agree that job insecurity become one of issues during the spread of Covid-19 for flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
24 |
21 |
5 |
1 |
51 |
|
Female |
37 |
39 |
6 |
0 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
61 |
60 |
11 |
1 |
133 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
2.153a |
3 |
.541 |
What is your gender? * Do you agree that Covid-19 pandemic was a source of both mental and physical health issues at work of flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
Do you agree that Covid-19 pandemic was a source of both mental and physical health issues at work of flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
17 |
26 |
9 |
0 |
52 |
|
Female |
20 |
51 |
6 |
4 |
81 |
|
|
Total |
37 |
77 |
15 |
4 |
133 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
6.968a |
3 |
.073 |
What is your gender? * Do you agree that with the decline of COVID-19 cases, health and mental issues have also declined?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
Do you agree that with the decline of COVID-19 cases, health and mental issues have also declined? |
Total |
|
|||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
10 |
24 |
15 |
2 |
1 |
52 |
|
Female |
9 |
23 |
28 |
21 |
1 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
19 |
47 |
43 |
23 |
2 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
13.668a |
4 |
.008 |
What is your gender? * What are the changes brought due to COVID-19 pandemic for flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
What are the changes brought due to COVID-19 pandemic for flight attendants?. |
Total |
|
||||
Mask wearing |
Covid testing |
Keeping eye on passengers about safety protocols |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
13 |
4 |
5 |
30 |
52 |
|
Female |
8 |
4 |
5 |
65 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
21 |
8 |
10 |
95 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
7.758a |
3 |
.051 |
What is your gender? * What type of health-related issues are faced by flight attendants during their work regardless of Covid-19?
Crosstab |
|
||||||||||||||
Count |
|
||||||||||||||
|
What type of health-related issues are faced by flight attendants during their work regardless of Covid-19? |
Total |
|
||||||||||||
Sleep related problem |
Fatigue and depression |
Fear and uncertainty |
All of the above |
|
|||||||||||
What is your gender? |
Male |
13 |
11 |
6 |
16 |
46 |
|
||||||||
Female |
13 |
18 |
8 |
36 |
75 |
|
|||||||||
Total |
26 |
29 |
14 |
52 |
121 |
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
What is your gender? * In your opinion, what are the major causes of stress among the flight attendants during COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab
|
|
||||||||||
Count |
|
||||||||||
|
In your opinion, what are the major causes of stress among the flight attendants during COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
||||||||
Fear of being affected by coronavirus |
Job Loss |
Salary cuts |
Work overload |
All of the above |
|
||||||
What is your gender? |
Male |
9 |
10 |
16 |
3 |
14 |
52 |
|
|||
Female |
16 |
12 |
14 |
1 |
39 |
82 |
|
||||
Total |
25 |
22 |
30 |
4 |
53 |
134 |
|
||||
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
|
|||||||
Pearson Chi-Square |
8.792a |
4 |
.067 |
|
|||||||
What is your gender? * What are the reasons behind mental health problems faced by flight attendants during Coronavirus?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||||
Count |
|
|||||||||
|
What are the reasons behind mental health problems faced by flight attendants during Coronavirus? |
Total |
|
|||||||
High rate of unemployment in the airline industry |
Changing rules and new COVID-19 protocols |
Fear of getting affected by Covid-19 |
All of the above |
|
||||||
What is your gender? |
Male |
23 |
7 |
5 |
16 |
51 |
|
|||
Female |
16 |
8 |
8 |
49 |
81 |
|
||||
Total |
39 |
15 |
13 |
65 |
132 |
|
||||
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
|
||||||
Pearson Chi-Square |
12.602a |
3 |
.006 |
|
||||||
What is your gender? * What are the measures that can be taken by flight attendants to overcome health issues during COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
What are the measures that can be taken by flight attendants to overcome health issues during COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||||
Wearing facemasks |
Sanitizing |
Eating healthy |
Avoiding personal touch |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
10 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
31 |
51 |
|
Female |
6 |
3 |
9 |
2 |
62 |
82 |
|
|
Total |
16 |
9 |
12 |
3 |
93 |
133 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
8.926a |
4 |
.063 |
What is your gender? * How are aviation companies helping flight attendants and taking care of their health and safety during Covid-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
How are aviation companies helping flight attendants and taking care of their health and safety during Covid-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||||
Compulsory temperature screening |
Infection Control Measures such as PPE |
Preventative Disinfection and Routine Cleaning of Aircraft |
Effective Quarantine Management |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your gender? |
Male |
2 |
10 |
17 |
4 |
16 |
49 |
|
Female |
4 |
15 |
24 |
5 |
33 |
81 |
|
|
Total |
6 |
25 |
41 |
9 |
49 |
130 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
1.058a |
4 |
.901 |
What is your age? * How long have you been working as a flight attendant?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
How long have you been working as a flight attendant? |
Total |
|
||||
Less than a year |
1-3 years |
4-6 years |
More than 6 years |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
38 |
35 |
7 |
0 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
5 |
25 |
10 |
7 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
43 |
61 |
18 |
12 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
60.055a |
6 |
.000 |
What is your age? * What are the health issues faced by flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||||
Count |
|
||||||||
|
What are the health issues faced by flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||||
Fatigue |
Sleepiness |
Anxiety |
Musculoskeletal injury |
Reproductive disorders |
other |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
39 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
79 |
|
26-34 years |
23 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
45 |
|
|
35-43 years |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
65 |
29 |
18 |
10 |
5 |
4 |
131 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
6.501a |
10 |
.772 |
What is your age? * Based on your experience and observations, what increases the incidence of health problems in flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||||
Count |
|
||||||||
|
Based on your experience and observations, what increases the incidence of health problems in flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||||
Irregular working hours |
Shift work |
Night work |
High Blood Pressure |
Disease of the lungs and heart |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
57 |
1 |
5 |
8 |
4 |
5 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
21 |
0 |
8 |
10 |
2 |
6 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
80 |
2 |
14 |
19 |
6 |
13 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
23.529a |
10 |
.009 |
What is your age? * Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the mental health of flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the mental health of flight attendants? |
Total |
|
|||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
27 |
37 |
13 |
2 |
1 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
23 |
17 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
52 |
56 |
18 |
5 |
3 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
28.866a |
8 |
.000 |
What is your age? * Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting flight attendants’ physical health?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
Do you agree that COVID-19 pandemic is impacting flight attendants’ physical health? |
Total |
|
||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
16 |
31 |
29 |
4 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
14 |
15 |
12 |
6 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
30 |
50 |
42 |
12 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
11.008a |
6 |
.088 |
What is your age? * How do you think the fear of job loss during Covid-19 could impact your mental health?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
How do you think the fear of job loss during Covid-19 could impact your mental health? |
Total |
|
||||
Depression |
Stress |
Anxiety |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
5 |
13 |
18 |
44 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
2 |
10 |
8 |
27 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
24 |
29 |
73 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
4.414a |
6 |
.621 |
What is your age? * Are you afraid of losing your job due to COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||
Count |
|
|||||
|
Are you afraid of losing your job due to COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||
Yes |
No |
To some extent |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
38 |
7 |
35 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
22 |
10 |
15 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
2 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
62 |
19 |
53 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
5.927a |
4 |
.205 |
What is your age? * As a flight attendant, how would you rate you job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
As a flight attendant, how would you rate you job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||||
Very strongly |
Strongly |
Neutral |
Poor |
Very poor |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
4 |
19 |
37 |
18 |
2 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
4 |
3 |
22 |
13 |
5 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
23 |
63 |
33 |
7 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
10.960a |
8 |
.204 |
What is your age? * Did the spread of COVID-19 cause stress to flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
|||||
Count |
|
|||||
|
Did the spread of COVID-19 cause stress to flight attendants? |
Total |
|
|||
Yes |
No |
To some extent |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
62 |
2 |
16 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
38 |
1 |
8 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
4 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
104 |
4 |
26 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
4.070a |
4 |
.397 |
What is your age? * Do you agree that job insecurity became one of the issues during the spread of Covid-19 for flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
Do you agree that job insecurity became one of the issues during the spread of Covid-19 for flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
35 |
36 |
8 |
0 |
79 |
|
26-34 years |
23 |
20 |
3 |
1 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
61 |
60 |
11 |
1 |
133 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
|
Pearson Chi-Square |
3.389a |
6 |
.759 |
|
What is your age? * Do you agree that Covid-19 pandemic was a source of both mental and physical health issues at work of flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
Do you agree that Covid-19 pandemic was a source of both mental and physical health issues at work of flight attendants? |
Total |
|
||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
22 |
47 |
8 |
2 |
79 |
|
26-34 years |
15 |
25 |
6 |
1 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
37 |
77 |
15 |
4 |
133 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
6.049a |
6 |
.418 |
What is your age? * Do you agree that with the decline of COVID-19 cases, health and mental issues have also declined?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
Do you agree that with the decline of COVID-19 cases, health and mental issues have also declined? |
Total |
|
|||||
Strongly agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
Strongly disagree |
|
|||
P |
18-25 years |
11 |
30 |
23 |
15 |
1 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
8 |
15 |
16 |
7 |
1 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
19 |
47 |
43 |
23 |
2 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
3.881a |
8 |
.868 |
What is your age? * What are the changes brought due to COVID-19 pandemic for flight attendants?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
What are the changes brought due to COVID-19 pandemic for flight attendants?. |
Total |
|
||||
Mask wearing |
Covid testing |
Keeping eye on passengers about safety protocols |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
10 |
5 |
8 |
57 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
8 |
3 |
2 |
34 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
3 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
21 |
8 |
10 |
95 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
|
Pearson Chi-Square |
6.373a |
6 |
.383 |
|
What is your age? * What type of health-related issues are faced by flight attendants during their work regardless of Covid-19?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
What type of health-related issues are faced by flight attendants during their work regardless of Covid-19? |
Total |
|
||||
Sleep related problem |
Fatigue and depression |
Fear and uncertainty |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
19 |
15 |
9 |
30 |
73 |
|
26-34 years |
7 |
12 |
2 |
20 |
41 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
26 |
29 |
14 |
52 |
121 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
11.740a |
6 |
.068 |
What is your age? * In your opinion, what are the major causes of stress among the flight attendants during COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
In your opinion, what are the major causes of stress among the flight attendants during COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||||
Fear of being affected by coronavirus |
Job Loss |
Salary cuts |
Work overload |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
11 |
16 |
15 |
4 |
34 |
80 |
|
26-34 years |
12 |
5 |
12 |
0 |
18 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
25 |
22 |
30 |
4 |
53 |
134 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
10.208a |
8 |
.251 |
What is your age? * What are the reasons behind mental health problems faced by flight attendants during Coronavirus?
Crosstab |
|
||||||
Count |
|
||||||
|
What are the reasons behind mental health problems faced by flight attendants during Coronavirus? |
Total |
|
||||
High rate of unemployment in the airline industry |
Changing rules and new COVID-19 protocols |
Fear of getting affected by Covid-19 |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
21 |
11 |
8 |
39 |
79 |
|
26-34 years |
13 |
4 |
5 |
24 |
46 |
|
|
35-43 years |
5 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
39 |
15 |
13 |
65 |
132 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
7.388a |
6 |
.286 |
What is your age? * What are the measures that can be taken by flight attendants to overcome health issues during COVID-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
What are the measures that can be taken by flight attendants to overcome health issues during COVID-19 pandemic? |
Total |
|
|||||
Wearing facemasks |
Sanitizing |
Eating healthy |
Avoiding personal touch |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
6 |
7 |
7 |
1 |
58 |
79 |
|
26-34 years |
9 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
30 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
16 |
9 |
12 |
3 |
93 |
133 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
6.680a |
8 |
.572 |
What is your age? * How are aviation companies helping flight attendants and taking care of their health and safety during Covid-19 pandemic?
Crosstab |
|
|||||||
Count |
|
|||||||
|
How are aviation companies helping flight attendants and taking care of their health and safety during Covid-19 pandemic? |
|
||||||
Compulsory temperature screening |
Infection Control Measures such as PPE |
Preventative Disinfection and Routine Cleaning of Aircraft |
Effective Quarantine Management |
All of the above |
|
|||
What is your age? |
18-25 years |
3 |
17 |
21 |
7 |
29 |
77 |
|
26-34 years |
3 |
8 |
15 |
2 |
19 |
47 |
|
|
35-43 years |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
|
Total |
6 |
25 |
41 |
9 |
49 |
130 |
|
|
|
Value |
df |
Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) |
Pearson Chi-Square |
10.047a |
8 |
.262 |
Chapter 5: Discussion
The job of flight attendants is full of opportunities. On the other hand, as per Horwell (2017), there are different types of challenges that become the reason for the physical and mental problems with the flight attendants. In general, the flight attendants need to travel long distances at high speed and the non-stop hours of travel put different types of stress on the attendant’s physical and psychological conditions. At the same time, Anna (2019) stated that in the aviation industry, the attendants have to go through challenges like poor air quality, oxygen level, turbulence, humidity. Light level etc. These circumstances are the prime reason for the creation of the different physical and mental problems. It is also observed that the attendants are suffering from problems like lower back pain, dry skin, skin irritation, cold symptoms, and many others. One of the prime reasons for the stress is the lack of irregular contact with family and friends due to unlimited flying hours and irregular working hours. But due to the covid-19 pandemic, there is another type of fear among the flight attendants. According to Ellwood (2021), flight attendants have a fear of getting affected by the coronavirus as strict follow up of the covid-19 norms are impossible. The pandemic has also created the fear of getting affected and job loss due to the high unemployment rate due to the pandemic. An increase in job responsibilities and fear at work has created a lot of stress in flight attendants. However, Weiss et al (2020) have given a statement in support and wrote that the pandemic is the reason for the loss of jobs in the airlines as the travel industry has seen a high drop during the pandemic time. As per the data, American airlines cut 19000 jobs in the month of October, and worldwide many airlines released their employees. On the other hand, as per BBC (2020), United Airlines have put 36,000 jobs at risk, and this created a high level of fear of job loss in the mind of the flight attendants. This fear gets converted into stress. Airlines have introduced many new norms regarding the covid-19 pandemic to make the passengers and attendants safe. But as per the writing of Cramer (2021), aviation safety officials received a lot of complaints where passengers were not following the covid-19 guidelines. Many of the flight attendants have complained that it is challenging for them to manage passengers, reduce the physical touchpoints and handle disruptive passengers. Unemployment in the airline industries due to a high reduction in travelling due to covid-19 guidelines has created an environment full of stress. The stress is not only of the job loss but also the financial crisis, which will emerge after the job loss.
Stress is the biggest reason for the physical health problems of in-flight attendants. As per Rajaveraja (2019) job of flight attendants has always been by accident and also has an unstable job nature. The hectic work schedule and continuity in the work schedule are some of the primes for stress. Many of the time, the agreement is due to the cultural and language difference between the flight attendants; however, the same difference with the passengers creates a stressful environment for the flight attendants. Whereas Palil et al. (2021) demonstrated that fatigue is one of the prominent problems with the flight attendants, and adverse sleep along with mental health outcomes is the reason for depression, anxiety, etc. The sleeping disorder has impacted the mental health of the flight attendants, and sometimes lack of social support as well as the connection lead to the attempt of suicide. However, Payne et al. (2017) demonstrated that the high stress due to the job is the reason for which flight attendants get exposed to alcohol or drugs. Flight attendants take alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress and pressure of the job. But the habit of alcohol or drugs creates the next level of stress or mental health problems. Inhale of alcohol or drugs not only causes mental health problems, but it also causes physical health problems along with the financial crisis to the attendants. According to Gorlich and Stadelmann (2020) covid-19 pandemic has raised mental health problems in flight attendants as, during the flying, attendants need to care for the safety of passengers and themselves. The high spread of the covid-19 pandemic pressurised government officials and airline officials to implement various guidelines, which suddenly increased the job responsibility of the attendants. The increase in the job responsibilities put a negative impression on the mental health condition of the attendants. However, Laovoravit et al. (2021) said that handling passengers during travel in a pandemic is not an easy task as the airline industry has implemented complex and strict regulations. Some of the norms like social distancing, regular sanitization, and wearing masks are measurable steps to reduce the impact of the covid-19 and reduce the safety threat. But the threat occurs when the passengers remove their masks for eating or drinking water, and this makes passengers vulnerable to the coronavirus. However, Johanna (2021) has written that the leftover stuff from the passenger’s side also increases the vulnerability, which can create a health problem for the attendants. There are multiple locations that are in regular touch with the passengers, and these can be proved to be vulnerable points in the flight, so attendants need to sanitise these places regularly to avoid any type of problem of covid-19 spread. The fear of getting affected by coronavirus during the job is common in the attendants, which is the prime source of stress in the attendants. The stress in the attendants tends to cause mental health problems and are in fear due to the vulnerabilities due to disruptive activities of the passengers.
There are various sources of stress which are responsible for the physical health problems of flight attendants. As per Lieberman (2017), flight attendants have been under the threat of health safety due to the environment, which has emerged due to the pandemic. Due to the unique environment and work characteristics, the flight attendants have musculoskeletal injury and radiation exposure. It is said that as the flights are operated at high altitudes, there are several radiations which affect the health condition of the attendants. However, Sigurdsson (2019) lower-back musculoskeletal disorders are the most common physical problem with flight attendants. Flight attendants are liable for fulfilling the responsibilities of the passengers, and this is the reason due to which attendants need to stand for hours in flight. Due to the long-standing hours, flight attendants have physical health problems related to the stomach and lower back. As the stomach and lower back muscles are used for regaining balance, twisting the body, stretching the body, and bending their body. However, Sigurdsson (2019), for reducing the physical health problems, the flying hours and limit on flying hours should be implemented so that the attendants can get less exposure to the radiation and body of attendants can take rest. On the other hand, McNeely et al. (2018) radiations are responsible for the damage of chromosomes which is the reason for the occurrence of cancer in flight attendants. Ultraviolet light exposure during the layover increases the risk of malignant melanoma to the flight attendants. As the flight is operated at a high altitude, this gives rise to the decrement in the blood oxygen level, and breathlessness as continuous working develops a high need for a high oxygen level in the body. However, Milosevic et al. (2018) demonstrated that flight attendants face serious health problems like cancer as they are continuously exposed to radiation. This is the reason flight attendants are more vulnerable to breast cancer, thyroid, uterine, melanoma cancer, etc. Sigurdsson (2019) has also stated that 30,000 to 45,000 flights are operated, which is the reason for the bad air quality. At the same time, Mousavi et al. (2020) demonstrated that the introduction of HEPA filters and prohibition of smoking in flight could enhance the air quality. However, Thakur et al. (2020) have stated some of the communicable diseases which are responsible for lung disorders and damage the respiratory system.
A majority of the industries got affected by the covid-19 pandemic. As per Suk and Kim (2021), airline industries also got badly affected by the covid-19 pandemic. Due to the high pandemic decrease in the flight schedule has been seen, and due to this, airline companies needed to cut many of the employees from the job. Due to this, airlines also imposed different types of restrictions while travelling and introduced many of the guidelines like wearing the mask, having covid-19 testing reports. But this came as a challenge to the flight attendants to motivate passengers to wear a mask all the time during the travel or to obey the covid-19 guidelines. However, the same can be seen written in the writing of Martin (2021). The author has recognized that passengers refused to wear a mask all the time, which came as a problem to the attendants. As per Ellwood (2021), attendants who were working at the start of the pandemic faced a lot of stress. This happened as there was the unavailability of masks and other protective gear along with the lack of awareness among the passengers. But according to Grout and Leggat (2021), during the pandemic, health safety came as one of the topmost priorities for businesses and families as well. Whereas as per Johana (2021), in the pandemic time, airline companies implemented several guidelines and policies for protecting their flight attendants and implemented procedures like temperature check, blocking middle seats, regular sanitising, contact tracing. On the other hand, Bergengruen (2020) airline companies started giving permission for self-quarantine so that flight attendants and their families could be safe from the pandemic. At the same time, Gibbs et al. (2017) demonstrated that airlines started training programs for the flight attendants for safe work and of various processes which can save them from getting affected by the coronavirus. However, Marais and Sorrell (2020) airline strictly implemented quarantine and physical distancing. This again gave rise to the work responsibilities of the flight attendants.
For minimising the impact of covid-19 on the health of the flight attendants, airlines introduced many new norms like wearing masks, following social distancing, etc. But as per Gilger (2021), these norms become a daily battle for flight attendants. On the majority of the flight, mask compliance issues came as the most common issue to the flight attendants. At the same time, Phadnis (2021) stated that airlines must provide full-body personal protection kits to the flight attendants, and if any attendants get affected by the coronavirus, then attendants should not be asked to compromise their salary. This can be an effective measure for protecting flight attendants from getting affected by a coronavirus. On the other hand, Puckett (2020) asked attendants to disinfect their cabins on a regular basis and asked passengers to carry proper protection gears. Some of the airlines hired hygiene professionals to maintain proper hygiene, and many of the airlines started providing training on maintaining hygiene. Johana (2021) demonstrated that compulsion on wearing a mask for the passenger is an effective measure, and passengers not obeying the covid-19 norms needed to be removed from the flight. In contrast, Akhtar (2021) made a suggestion like the implementation of safety protocols and more strict policies for maintaining the safety of flight attendants. The airline also started practising temperature checks, blocking seats for maintaining social distancing, making the covid-19 test report compulsory, etc. However, Sarma (2021) suggested that the airlines should focus on providing disposable disinfectant wipes to the attendants. This can help them in reducing the impact of a covid-19 pandemic on the flight attendants.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
With the rise of the pandemic, the travel sector felt slow down, and for a few weeks, almost all flights were either blocked or allowed only with a limited number of passengers as most of the countries had imposed lockdown. But both situations created stress for the flight attendants. A complete ban on flight travel created a lot of unemployment in the airline companies, which led to the creation of fear of losing the job. Whereas permission for travelling created fear of getting affected by coronavirus as the covid-19 was spreading at high speed and passengers were not following proper covid-19 guidelines. The aim of the research was to analyze flight attendants’ physical and mental health and their job satisfaction level during a global COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, the flight attendants were working continuously for long hours as there were very few attendants available for work due to fear of the pandemic. Long working hours and irregular work schedule was the reason for the stress, which leads to the creation of different types of problems for physical and mental health. Depression, anxiety, and many of the mental problems were faced by the flight attendants. On the other hand, long hours of working caused many physical health-related problems, and radiation resulted in cancer. For the research purpose, research questions were prepared, and data was collected based on these research questions. For analyzing the collected data SPSS data analyzing tool was taken into use. For reducing the impact of the pandemic, making use of masks compulsory is important, and for this, companies are providing PPE to the flight attendants.
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