COVID-19: Mental health and psychological well-being in nursing technicians

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the mental health and psychological well-being of nursing technicians during their work on the frontline of COVID-19 in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. To achieve this objective, six professionals, of both sexes, aged between 29 and 46 years were interviewed. Data were analyzed according to Minayo's Thematic Content Analysis technique, under the light of systemic theory. The results indicated the recognition of important changes both in the increase in work demands and in the professionals' relationships with the health teams and social support network. Fear of contagion and social isolation measures were highlighted as factors that potentialize psychological suffering, as well as increased work stress and physical and emotional fatigue. As coping measures, the participants reported the use of psychological support, religiosity as well as support from their own colleagues in the health teams. There was a significant impact on the most varied social groups of these workers, as well as on their mental health, where symptoms such as depression, anxiety, burnout and panic were present in the daily lives of these health professionals.