ABSTRACT
Objective:
To investigate psychosocial effects on health professionals from the frontline activity in the pandemic.
Methods:
Cross-sectional analysis of entry interviews in a prospective study about the stress and mental health of COVID-19 frontline workers in a public hospital in Southern Brazil. The study has a mixed approach.
Results:
123 people interviewed, 76% were nursing professionals and 81% women. A score of seven or more on the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was obtained for 40% of the sample, 45% had a score of 25 or more on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and 41% achieved scores compatible with burnout in the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI). The outcomes were associated with each other (p < 0.05), but no association was found with the independent variables. Long shifts without breaks due to vestments, pressure and fatigue greater than usual, isolation in the hospital itself, risk of contamination itself and fears and guilt related to families were highlighted in the in-depth interviews. The team unity appeared as an aspect that favors performance in COVID-19 coping.
Conclusions:
Professionals are suffering and it is recommended to prioritize rest and breaks, which may require adjustments to routines and physical spaces, in addition to expanding the offer of emotional support to the teams of health workers.
KEYWORDS
COVID-19; hospital; pandemic; stress; team