The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the workload for health professionals from different specialties. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and rescuers, among other workers, began to deal more intensely with the loss of patients, the fear of contagion and the distance from family members, especially in the first months of the pandemic.
A study led by the universities of Chile and Colombia revealed that health workers from 11 Latin American countries have high rates of depressive symptoms and other mental health impairments. The research was supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
According to the report, between 14.7% and 22% of professionals surveyed in 2020 had symptoms that led to the suspicion of a depressive episode. In some countries, only about a third of specialists who said they needed psychological care received assistance.
“The pandemic has shown the burnout of health workers, and in countries where the health care system has collapsed, the professional has suffered from grueling hours and ethical dilemmas that have had an impact on their mental health,” said Anselm Hennis, director of the Department of Diseases. Noncommunicable Diseases and PAHO Mental Health in a statement.
Study heard more than 14 thousand professionals
The researchers conducted interviews with 14,502 health workers from countries including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Uruguay. The consultation was attended by researchers from dozens of institutions.
Among the main factors that affected the mental health of professionals is the need for emotional and financial support, concern about transmitting the disease to family members, conflicts with relatives of infected people and changes in work functions.
As protective measures for mental health, the study highlights trust in the health institution and government to deal with the pandemic, peer support, as well as spiritual and religious considerations.
The report recommends actions, in the context of public policies, aimed at caring for the mental health of health professionals, including ensuring adequate working conditions and remuneration, stable contractual conditions and spaces for conversation and encouragement of self-care.
(With information from the Pan American Health Organization).
Reference: CNN Brasil
