Depresión, insomnio y consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en personal de enfermería de área COVID-19

Carlos Alberto Carreón Gutiérrez; Laura Roxana De los Reyes Nieto; María Guadalupe Esmeralda Vázquez Treviño; Laura Virginia Loredo Lárraga; Francisco Cadena Santos; Martha Dalila Méndez Ruíz

doi:10.19136/hs.a24n1.5853

Authors

Dr. Carlos Alberto Carreón Gutiérrez Autonomous University of Tamaulipas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2511-2220
MSP. Laura Roxana De los Reyes Nieto Autonomous University of Tamaulipas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8395-2992
Dra. María Guadalupe E. Vázquez Treviño Autonomous University of Tamaulipas https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7848-8016
MAH. Laura Virginia Loredo Lárraga Autonomous University of Tamaulipas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4803-4483
Dr. Francisco Cadena Santos Autonomous University of Tamaulipas https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8792-692X
Dra. Martha Dalila Méndez-Ruíz Autonomous University of Tamaulipas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4527-0296

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19136/hs.a24n1.5853

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between depression and insomnia and their interaction with sociodemographic, occupational, and substance use factors among nursing professionals in COVID-19 areas.

Material and Methods. A sample of 222 nursing professionals residing in Tamaulipas, Mexico, who cared for COVID-19 patients during the period July-August 2022. Demographic, occupational, and substance use data were collected. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI-7) and the Patient Health Status Assessment Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess depression levels. Variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Spearman correlation coefficient and chi-square test were used for correlational analysis; and the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for comparisons between groups.

Results: 79.3% of nursing professionals are female, and 33.8% work night shifts. The median age was 34 years, and their seniority was 7 years. High prevalence rates were found for alcohol (82.0%), tobacco (46.4%), and marijuana (14.9%). Fifty percent of staff presented moderate to severe depression, and 51.3% had insomnia. There is a significant association between insomnia and depression and psychotropic substance use (p<.000), with users presenting the most disturbed levels (p<.000). Depression and insomnia levels were higher in younger workers (depression: r_s= –.295; insomnia: r_s = –.335) and in older workers (depression: r_s = –.344; insomnia: r_s = –.345), with significant correlations (p < .000). The night shift was the most affected by depression (p < .05).

Conclusion: Depression and insomnia were situations that nursing professionals faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing a complex adaptation process characterized by the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.