Fatores psicológicos que interferem na qualidade do sono e humor dos profissionais da enfermagem: estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: In units caring for critically ill patients, the nursing team is frequently exposed to stressors that can trigger symptoms of anxiety, depression and even Burnout Syndrome (BS). Objective: To evaluate the interference of psychological factors in the quality of sleep and mood in nursing professionals who work in critical care units. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and quantitative approach, conducted through field research involving nurses and nursing technicians working in the critical health axis at two hospitals in Sergipe, Brazil, from April to June 2023. Self-administered questionnaires and scales were used to investigate sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral data, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Multidimensional Humor Sense Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using various statistical methods, including the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's Chi-Squared test, Fisher's Exact Test, and descriptive measures like median, interquartile range, absolute frequency, and percentages. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: The study included 243 volunteers, predominantly nursing technicians (77.8%), female (83.1%), with an average age of 40 years and of mixed race (60.2%). Most lived with a partner (42.6%), had specialization (29.6%), and over 10 years of experience (62.2%). Occupationally, more than half were permanent employees (52.7%), with multiple job ties (57.5%), and earned more than three minimum wages (29.6%). Most (54.5%) worked night shifts with a median weekly workload of 36 hours. Approximately 70% reported poor sleep quality, with a significant association between anxiety disorders (p= 0.004), rigid working hours (p=0.002), work pressure (p<0.001), job dissatisfaction (p=0.001), salary dissatisfaction (p=0.009), and lack of leisure activities (p<0.01). SB was a critical factor, increasing the likelihood of poor sleep quality by 2.14 times (p= 0.046). Anxiety showed an inverse relationship with sleep quality (p<0.001), while depression did not have a significant interference (p>0.05). Regarding mood patterns, the use of hypoglycemic and multivitamin agents had negative interference (p=0.021 and p=0.02, respectively), as did SB, which showed a three-point decrease on the MSHS scale indicating worse mood (p=0.049). Conclusion: The findings highlight that sleep quality and mood of critical axis nursing professionals are affected by factors such as anxiety disorders, rigid work schedules, work pressure, and the use of certain medications. SB also emerged as a critical element, adversely affecting both sleep and mood. These findings underscore the urgency for policies to improve working conditions and mental health of these professionals, aiming to promote a healthy and efficient work environment.