Factors Involved in the Infection Nursing Professionals in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus whose rapid spread and mortality rate, associated with the absence of immunopreventive methods, led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic state in 2020. As a result, health services were overloaded, and there was a large number of infections among professionals in the area. Objective: Identify the factors involved in the infection of nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Exploratory and descriptive field research, with a qualitative approach, developed using the snowball sampling method. Data collection was performed by applying a semi-structured electronic form to 13 nursing professionals directly involved in coping with the pandemic. Data was analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ and Voyant tools software through the flow diagram method and similarity analysis. Results: The reports of nursing professionals highlighted as the main contributing factors to infection by SARS-COV-2 the lack of personal protective equipment or its fragility, the absence of training, and constant hand hygiene. In addition, work overload with consequent emotional stress was also referred to as a contributing factor to the inadequate attire. Conclusion: The lack of personal protective equipment associated with the absence of training and updates regarding the virus generated apprehension and anxiety in professionals, which caused an impact on the care provided by them and on their mental health. Such factors were determining motivators to work as a team and maintaining the standard of care.