Efectos de la pandemia por COVID – 19 en la salud mental de trabajadores sanitarios del estado Mérida, Venezuela

Resumen

espanolLa pandemia causada por el SARS-CoV-2 no solo ha afectado la salud fisica de millones de personas, sino que tambien afecta la salud mental de la poblacion, en especial, del personal de salud de primera linea. Sin embargo, existe poca informacion al respecto, por lo que se planteo evaluar los efectos de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la salud mental del personal de salud del estado Merida, Venezuela. Metodo: Se realizo un estudio observacional de tipo descriptivo y corte transversal, donde se aplico la escala DASS-21 a 150 individuos pertenecientes al personal sanitario del estado Merida, Venezuela. Resultados: De los encuestados, el 34.7% presento estres, 33.3% ansiedad y el 34.6% mostro signos de depresion en sus diferentes niveles. Se determino que un 42.7% atiende en areas de cuidado de pacientes COVID-19, siendo los cargos de medico residente y enfermero los que presentaron incrementos notables en las variables emocionales estudiadas. Conclusion: Como consecuencia de la pandemia, se han incrementado las exigencias para la practica medica, resultando en mayores indices de estres, ansiedad y depresion en el personal sanitario encargado de enfrentarla. Es por ello que, se debe enfatizar la importancia de abordar a estos individuos con el fin de evaluar el estatus de la salud mental, y en los casos necesarios, proporcionar una terapeutica adecuada de la mano de psiquiatras y psicologos para garantizar la integridad de quienes representan la primera linea de defensa contra esta nueva enfermedad. EnglishThe pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has not only affected the physical health of millions of people, but also affects the mental health of the population, especially front-line health personnel. However, there is a large information gap in this regard, which is why it was proposed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health personnel in the state of Merida, Venezuela. Method: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional observational study, where the DASS-21 scale was applied to 150 individuals belonging to the health personnel of Merida State, Venezuela. Results: Among those surveyed, 34.7% presented stress, 33.3% anxiety and 34.6% showed signs of depression, at different levels. It was determined that 42.7% of all participants were working in areas intended for care of COVID-19 patients, and those who have the positions of resident doctors and nurses, presented notable increases in the levels of the emotional variables studied. Conclusion: As a consequence of the pandemic, the demands for the medical practice increased, resulting in higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression in the health personnel who are responsible for dealing with it. For this reason, the importance of approaching these individuals in order to evaluate the status of mental health should be emphasized, and, if it is necessary, provide adequate therapy from the hand of psychiatrists and psychologists to ensure the integrity of those who represent the first line of defense against this new disease.