Trabalho de enfermagem e sofrimento psíquico: avaliação do risco silencioso do ambiente laboral

Abstract

Nursing professionals face highly stressful working conditions, and this occupational context makes them particularly vulnerable to the development of common mental disorders (CMDs), which negatively impact the quality of care, including quality of work life (QWL). These circumstances have also been inappropriately associated with the use of psychotropic medications as a coping strategy. Therefore, mental illness related to working conditions constitutes a significant public health problem. Thus, this research aimed to analyze the relationship between occupational stress levels, the occurrence of common mental disorders, quality of work life, and the use of psychotropic medications among nursing professionals at the University Hospital of Lagarto-SE. This is an analytical cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of 74 nursing professionals who provide direct patient care, located in the care sectors of HUL-UFS. This study utilized instruments such as a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the Quality of Work Life Questionnaire - abbreviated version (QWLQ-bref), the Job Stress Scale (adapted version for Portuguese), and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The research followed the bioethical principles of studies with human subjects and was approved by the CEP/UFS. It was observed that 69% of these nursing professionals presented some degree of exposure to stress. Regarding QWL, it was found to be neutral (52.79), with the professional dimension presenting the lowest score (46.47). The prevalence of suspected cases of Common Mental Disorder (CMD), measured by the SRQ-20, was 46%. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between the three instruments used, suggesting a systemic interdependence between the work environment and health outcomes, where high demand was associated with a high prevalence of Common Mental Disorder, and higher levels of mental suffering imply a marked decline in overall Quality of Life. The prevalence of psychotropic medication use among nursing professionals was 27%, with a 72% higher prevalence of mental distress, as well as significant impairment in overall quality of life, and a higher median (Md = 17.0) in the Demand dimension within the context of occupational stress. Conversely, social support proved to be the greatest protective factor, where those who feel supported by their team/supervisor have better mental health and a higher quality of life. It is concluded from the findings of this research that the work context exerts a determining influence on the mental illness of the nursing professionals investigated, pointing to the need for collective and structural interventions involving institutional prevention policies, strengthening support networks, reorganization of work, and promotion of safer work environments.