Analysis of work disability due to mental illness in healthcare workers during the pandemic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4321/s0465-546x2026000200002Keywords:
Sick leave; Mental health; Health personnel; COVID-19Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, caused an unprecedented collapse. Healthcare professionals faced situations of heavy healthcare burden and scarce resources, coupled with a lack of knowledge about a highly lethal virus, impacting their mental health.
Method: To study this impact, we analyzed the duration of work incapacity due to mental disorders in these workers, through a database provided by the National Social Security Institute, comparing these records by sex, age, occupation, and resolution.
Results: A total of 51,746 cases were obtained: 88.11% women, average age 45.12 years, 59.69% due to anxiety, 99.8% discharged, average disability 64.12 days, and nursing assistants the most affected. A statistically significant decrease in case duration was observed, with longer disability periods among women and older workers, and shorter periods among family doctors.
Conclusions: The impact on mental health among healthcare workers during the pandemic decreased over time thanks to improved resources and awareness of the disease, reflected in shorter disability periods. Furthermore, those who would benefit most from preventive measures would be nursing assistants, women, middle-aged individuals, and those with anxiety. Preventive measures such as education and training, collective and professional support, and greater institutional involvement are proposed. In short, the importance of mental health and its impact on healthcare workers is highlighted, and implementing preventive measures and promoting healthier work environments are crucial.
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