Impact of the pandemic on the mental health of women workers at a health center in Vilcún (Chile): an exploratory study

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the physical, psychological, economic, and sociocultural levels, resulting in the integration into new non-face-to-face work (teleworking) and educational and social restrictions, among others. The objective of the research was to understand the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of women working at a primary care health center in Vilcún (Chile). From a qualitative perspective, an exploratory, cross-sectional, and non-experimental design was adopted. An intentional non-probabilistic sampling was used, and it was made up of 10 women workers in the health sector. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, whose stories were systematized through content analysis. The presence of stressful symptoms, such as emotional exhaustion and frustration in the participants, was identified. Likewise, some women perceived a state of greater vulnerability to the risk of contagion that could affect their family members. In addition, it was observed that women played leading roles in tasks associated with home care and child-rearing. The obstacles and challenges women face in their work as healthcare personnel during the pandemic are discussed, as well as the transformation of their roles in a non-face-to-face modality.

Investigación IESED