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Prolonged Effects on Frontline Caregivers: Occupational Stress and Mental Well-Being in Transformed Healthcare Environments Post-COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Rauer Ferreira Franco

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil
    Brazil University, Fernandópolis, São Paulo 15613-899, Brazil)

  • Jefferson Martinelli

    (Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil)

  • Amanda Oliva Spaziani

    (Brazil University, Fernandópolis, São Paulo 15613-899, Brazil)

  • Luis Carlos Spaziani

    (Fernandópolis Educational Foundation, Fernandópolis, São Paulo 15608-380, Brazil)

  • João Daniel de Souza Menezes

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Matheus Querino da Silva

    (São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Emerson Roberto dos Santos

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Rita de Cássia Helú Mendonça Ribeiro

    (General Nursing Department, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Josimerci Ittavo Lamana Faria

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Janaína Aparecida de Sales Floriano

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Fernando Nestor Facio Júnior

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Nádia Antônia Aparecida Poletti

    (General Nursing Department, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Flávia Cristina Custódio

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Clarissa Albuquerque Vaz Nunes

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Franciane Michele da Silva

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Maysa Alahmar Bianchin

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Luís Cesar Fava Spessoto

    (São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Ana Paula Bernardes da Rosa

    (UNORTE—University Centre of Northern São Paulo, São José do Rio Preto 15020-040, Brazil)

  • Maria Helena Pinto

    (São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Cíntia Canato Martins

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Marli de Carvalho Jerico

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Fabiana de Souza Orlandi

    (Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil)

  • Lais Fernanda de Amorin

    (Faculty Educational Group—UNITERP, São José do Rio Preto 15091-260, Brazil)

  • Paula Buck de Oliveira Ruiz

    (Faculty Educational Group—UNITERP, São José do Rio Preto 15091-260, Brazil)

  • Fabricio Sidnei da Silva

    (Brazil University, Fernandópolis, São Paulo 15613-899, Brazil)

  • Luan Souza do Nascimento

    (Brazil University, Fernandópolis, São Paulo 15613-899, Brazil)

  • Catia Canova Fraccari

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Gerardo Maria de Araújo Filho

    (São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Marcia Regina Furlani

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Stela Regina Pedroso Vilela Torres de Carvalho

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Ana Maria Rita Pedroso Vilela Torres de Carvalho Engel

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Thiago Sivieri

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Bruna Santos de Oliveira Martins

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Daniela Gonçalves Faustino

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Maicon José de Jesus Vijarva

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

  • Júlio César André

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil)

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated Quality of Life (QoL) and mental health among nursing technicians in Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) emergency units, specifically exploring occupational safety and well-being in the post-COVID-19 era. Design: A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional design was employed. Methods: Data from 146 nursing professionals in Brazilian SUS emergency units were collected remotely during the post-acute pandemic phase (July–Nov 2024). QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) and mental health (HADS) were assessed, followed by descriptive and correlational statistics. Results: The predominantly female, experienced sample showed heterogeneous general QoL but pervasive anxiety, reflecting a sustained psychological burden. Sociodemographic/professional factors had a negligible impact; the emergency environment’s overwhelming influence, intensified by post-pandemic challenges, was key. Psychological distress was strongly negatively correlated with overall QoL and depression in the social domain. Conclusions: The intrinsic nature of emergency work, amplified by persistent psychosocial effects of the global health crisis, drives anxiety and impairs QoL/social relationships. Interventions strengthening QoL, enhancing coping, and adapting work environments to new realities (e.g., loneliness, prolonged mental health impacts) are vital for professional well-being and patient care in this post-pandemic era.

Suggested Citation

  • Rauer Ferreira Franco & Jefferson Martinelli & Amanda Oliva Spaziani & Luis Carlos Spaziani & João Daniel de Souza Menezes & Matheus Querino da Silva & Emerson Roberto dos Santos & Rita de Cássia Helú, 2026. "Prolonged Effects on Frontline Caregivers: Occupational Stress and Mental Well-Being in Transformed Healthcare Environments Post-COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 23(2), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:23:y:2026:i:2:p:271-:d:1869468
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