MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN NURSES DURING THECOVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ICA-PERU

Abstract

Objective: To determine the mental health status and possible associated factors in a sample of nurses
during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ica, Peru. Materials and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and
analytical study, conducted in the province of Ica, Peru; during November and December 2020 and January
2021. Ninety-four nurses participated. Data were collected on socio-labor factors and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire was applied. The study variables were described and binary logistic regression was used to evaluate possible associated factors. Results: Of the participants, 57.4% had poor mental health; 54.3% had general dysphoria and 68.1% had social dysfunction. Poor mental health was higher in female nursing graduates, those with systemic disease, those whose work causes stress, those who have not
received biosafety training and those with >20 years of professional practice, reaching statistical significance
(P<0.05). However, in the multivariate logistic model it was found that the condition of having a systemic
disease (P=0.049) was associated with poor mental health. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic,
the prevalence of poor mental health status is high. The likelihood of altered mental health is increased by
the condition of having a systemic illness; however, the pandemic itself behaves as a potentially
psychopathogenic factor.