Satisfaction and Workload as Predictors of Psychological Distress in Professionals of Psychosocial Care Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy) Italy), 2024-12, Vol.14 (4), p.3968-3983
• Main Authors: Pinto, Debora Maria Salimon, Lourenção, Luciano Garcia, Eid, Letícia Palota, Ponce, Maria Amélia Zanom, André, Júlio César, Tiol, Emilia Batista Mourão, Giacon-Arruda, Bianca Cristina Ciccone, Arruda, Guilherme de Oliveira, Souza, Maria da Graça Girade, Sasaki, Natália Sperli Geraldes Marin Dos Santos, Santos, Emerson Roberto, Martinez, William Donegá, Costa, Ana Carolina Santos, Engel, Ana Maria Rita Pedroso Vilela Torres de Carvalho, da Silva Júnior, Amilton José, Werneck, Alexandre Lins, Souza, Marise Ramos de, Martins, Marlene Andrade, Silva, Gabriele Cássia Santos, Menezes, João Daniel de Souza, Silva, Matheus Querino da, Pompeo, Daniele Alcalá
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19; health personnel; job satisfaction; Mental depression; Mental disorders; mental health; Mental health care; mental health services; occupational health
• ISSN: 2039-439X; 2039-4403; 2039-4403
• DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14040290

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare professionals, especially those working in Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), which are crucial services in the Brazilian mental health system. This study aimed to investigate the association between job satisfaction, workload, and psychological distress among CAPS professionals during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 53 professionals from seven CAPS. The Workload Impact Scale (IMPACTO-BR) and Job Satisfaction Scale (SATIS-BR), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between job satisfaction, workload, and psychological distress. Professionals reported moderate satisfaction (3.67 ± 0.45) and mild workload (1.82 ± 0.63). One-third of the sample showed scores indicative of psychological distress. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that workload ( = 0.0025) and low job satisfaction ( = 0.0495) were significantly associated with psychological distress. Low job satisfaction and high professional workload were predictive variables of psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for investments in promoting the quality of life at work for mental health professionals, especially during crises. The implications for human resource management and public policy development emphasize the importance of an integrated approach that considers the well-being of professionals for the effectiveness and sustainability of the psychosocial care model.