Analysis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Nursing Professionals During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective to analyze the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and factors associated with its development in Nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study conducted with 309 Nursing professionals, using a questionnaire to assess sociodemographic data and work-related information, in addition to the Impact Event Scale - Revised, which aims at collecting diverse information related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Results the study participants were 176 nurses and 133 nursing technicians: 83.82% female and 56.96% male nurses. As for the hour load, 55.66% asserted working up to 40 weekly hours 47.90% had more than one employment contract, 89.32% were active in the front line against the pandemic, and 60.19% reported an increase in workload. However, 64.40% presented symptoms or were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 43.37% indicated emotional impairment. Using the classifications of the overall Impact Event Scale - Revised score, 29 (53.40%) obtained scores of at least 33, the cutoff point for likely diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Conclusion it was evidenced that more than half of the study sample presented a high risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Impact Event Scale - Revised scale. Factors associated with the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in Nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic include use of psychotropic drugs, age up to 35 years old, and occurrence of physical and emotional changes.