Qualidade de vida dos Enfermeiros da Atenção Primária à Saúde em tempos de pandemia: um estudo qualitativo

Abstract

Faced with the infection caused by the new coronavirus, the nurse professional plays an important role in combating the pandemic and their performance has gained greater visibility in the world context. This research aims to investigate the quality of life of nurses in Primary Health Care in times of a pandemic. It is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, which was carried out in the Basic Health Units and Family Health Strategy of the municipal network of Pelotas. The participants were 20 professional nurses who work in the Bem Cuidar Network in urban and rural units of the municipality. It was decided to carry out the semi-structured interview online, in order to preserve the rule of social distancing. As a conceptual framework, the principles of quality of life were observed in the perception of social determinants in health. Data from the interviews were analyzed and interpreted using the Content Analysis method. The nurses' report reveals that these professionals are dissatisfied with their quality of life in the areas of physical and mental health, as well as pointing out difficulties in disassociating personal and professional life. The role of Primary Health Care nurses in the pandemic is marked by daily challenges, overwork and little appreciation. Finally, physical activity, leisure and social interaction are considered as an aid in the search for quality of life. The nurses interviewed believe that the maintenance of physical and mental health, availability of time to take care of themselves and the achievement of professional valorization are necessary items in the search to promote the quality of life of health workers.