EXAMINING THE PERCEPTION OF NURSES ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIESDURING AND AFTER CARE OF COVID-19 PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Examining nurses' perceptions of mental health challenges and coping strategies during and after caring for COVID-19 patients in Pakistan is crucial to understand the unique stressors and coping mechanisms within the local context, contributing valuable insights for tailored interventions and support systems in the health care settings.
Objective: To Examine the perception of Nurses about Mental Health Challenges and Coping Strategies during and after care of Covid-19 Patients
Methodology: During the pandemic, a cross-sectional study was undertaken, involving 116 nurses from a tertiary care hospital who worked with COVID-19 patients. Utilizing a structured questionnaire with categorical response options, information on mental health experiences, preventive strategies, and demographic characteristics was collected. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, were employed to characterize categorical variables. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were used to discern significant associations among mental health challenges, reported symptoms, and prevention strategies.
Results: The study included 116 nurses with a mean age of 33.28±4.82 years, predominantly female (81.03%). Most nurses (37.24%) were aged 30-40 years, and over 47.41% had more than 6-months of experience with COVID-19 patients. Mental health challenges were categorized, revealing a high prevalence of physical violence (56.06%)among nurses with such issues. Significant associations (p<0.001) were found between mental health challenges and reported symptoms, as well as prevention strategies employed by nurses. Strategies included social distancing, adherence to SOPs, PPE use, with significant associations (p<0.001) observed between these measures and mental health challenges. Coping strategies involved meditation, religious activities, and social avoidance, showing significant associations with mental health challenges (p<0.001).
Conclusion: This study reveals nurses faces significant mental health challenges, notably physical violence, during and after caring for COVID-19 patients. Associations between mental health issues, symptoms, and preventive strategies underscore the complex relationship between nurses' well-being and their work environment. Coping strategies like meditation, religious activities, and social avoidance highlight diverse approaches to address mental health concerns. Recognizing and addressing nurses' mental health needs is crucial, emphasizing the importance of supportive interventions and tailored programs with in healthcare.