Consumption of Psychoactive Substances by Nursing Workers: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the scientific evidence available on the factors and implications related to the use of psychoactive substances by nursing workers. Method: an integrative review, which had the following as selection criteria: primary studies, published between 2008 and 2017, without language restrictions and that included aspects related to the consumption of psychoactive substances by nursing professionals. The bibliographic survey was carried out in the months of September and October 2018, in the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and LILACS, BDENF and IBECS via the Virtual Health Library. Results: a total of 14 articles were analyzed, with predominance of cross-sectional (28.57%), qualitative descriptive (28.57%), and quantitative descriptive (14.28%) studies, with significant samples ranging from 12 to 33,588 nursing professionals, and with 2C level of evidence (100.00%). The synthesis of knowledge was formulated in two categories: Predisposing factors for the consumption of psychoactive substances by nursing workers; and Implications of the use of psychoactive substances in personal life and in the quality of nursing care. Conclusion: the evidence found shows that the use of psychoactive substances represented a reality present in the daily lives of nursing workers and the close relationship with the working conditions represented the main associated factor, with the work environment being the major influencer for consumption.

Common mental disorders and associated factors in nursing workers in COVID-19 units

“…Predisposing factors for the use of these substances include, in addition to the presence of mental disorders, elements such as the intense workload, precarious working conditions and experiences of suffering, for which the use of these drugs offers psycho-emotional relief. The study also showed that moments of professional or personal crisis demarcated periods in which the use of psychoactive drugs becomes a necessity for these workers (22) , which is in line with the results of this study.…”

Transtornos mentais comuns e fatores associados em trabalhadores de enfermagem de unidades COVID-19

“…Os fatores predisponentes para o uso destas substâncias incluem, além da presença de transtornos mentais, elementos como a intensa carga de trabalho, precarização das condições laborais e vivências de sofrimento, para os quais o uso destes medicamentos oferece alívio psicoemocional. O estudo mostrou também que os momentos de crise profissional ou pessoal demarcam períodos em que o uso de psicoativos passa a ser uma necessidade para esses trabalhadores (22) , o que vai ao encontro dos resultados deste estudo.…”

Seleção de teoria de Enfermagem para um serviço de Enfermagem do trabalho da assistência hospitalar.

“…(22) Também, podem emergir desequilíbrios quando estados de tensão, conscientes ou inconscientes se fazem presentes. (20) Nesse sentido, um trabalhador pode vir a desenvolver quadros depressivos, bem como buscar em fármacos e drogas ilícitas ou lícitas, mecanismos de compensação, (23) o que pode trazer prejuízos para sua vida pessoal e profissional. (24) Desse modo, percebe-se que os sujeitos são singulares e precisam que suas necessidades sejam atendidas, (22) sobretudo porque quando se conhece as necessidades dos trabalhadores, estratégias de proteção passam a ser melhor elaboradas, logo há ações mais efetivas.…”