The impact of the pandemic on institutional care workers

This study presents the results of an opinion poll on the impact of the pandemic carried out with workers from an institutional host. The Covid-19 pandemic is a worldwide public health problem. Health contingency measures and procedures, such as the use of PPE, have impacted many workers. The aim of this work is to assess the impact of the pandemic on workers in an institutional shelter. The sample consisted of 12 workers between 35 and 60 years old. The questionnaire used was composed of questions about the socioeconomic profile and factors associated with isolation and the impact of the pandemic and the use of PPE in the work routine. Data collection was carried out in person on an individual form. The results obtained indicate that the use of PPE had a significant impact on the relationship of workers with the children admitted to the institution and significantly less on the relationship with co-workers when compared to the relationship with children. Within the family, the impact was significantly higher than the average expected by the scale. Regarding the sanitary measures adopted by the institution, most professionals considered it appropriate. We hope that this study can contribute to make other workers feel represented and that actions are taken to reduce the impacts caused by the pandemic.

Front line staff stress and mental health during covid-19 pandemic in a general hospital

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. © 2021, Editora Cientifica Nacional Ltda. All rights reserved.

“To Catch” or “to give”: fears among frontline professionals at COVID-19

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the performance of tests to detect COVID-19 and signs of psychological distress, perceived stress and burnout among health professionals on the frontline of the pandemic in a general hospital. Methods: Prospective mixed-approach study using SRQ-20, PSS, OBI and in-depth interviews in a series of 3 interviews throughout 2020. Results: Worrying prevalences of high scores of SRQ20, Burnout and Perceived Stress occurred on the three interviews and the number of tests performed increased during the study period, but there was no association between outcomes and testing to detect COVID-19. Fear of contracting the disease or being a transmitter of the virus appeared as the main stressors for health professionals, maintained despite testing. Conclusion: In this group, tests performed were not sufficient to modify the psychosocial effects of the front line activity on health professionals.