Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) of Health Professionals Post-COVID-19 Period: Insights from Zimbabwean Nurses

Abstract

The focus of the study is to highlight post-traumatic stress disorders for Zimbabwean nurses in the post-Covid-19 period. In this study,  Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory was used to understand the research phenomenon. The social cognitive learning theory of  Bandura entails that compassion fatigue is more common in people who work in professions where they are tasked with supporting  people who have experienced trauma. Bandura’s vicarious capability has it that human beings learn through experience and observation,  and that, through over exposure to people in trauma, the healthcare giver experiences similar mental health issues. This is  common among nurses. Continual exposure to other people’s trauma can take a toll on nurses who, resultantly, become vulnerable to  mental health issues. The study used mixed method approach that puts together quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and  analyse data. Nurses in Shurugwi were the population from which convenience sampling technique was used to draw a sample of forty  participants. Structured questionnaires and semistructured interviews were employed to collect data. Results of the study indicate that  nurses were on the frontlines during the pandemic and thus faced high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout as they cared for critically ill  patients and witnessed the devastating impact of the virus. Many nurses experienced symptoms of trauma and PTSD, which could have  long-term effects on their mental health and well-being. Consequently, health professionals may also experience PTSD with physical  health consequences such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic pain due to the prolonged stress and trauma  they have experienced. The remedies suggested in the study include the enhanced awareness of the mental health of healthcare  employees, especially by hospital administrators and authorities. During disease outbreaks, healthcare workers ought to be aware of  their vulnerability to stress. Psychological well-being of healthcare workers should be promoted by hospital support systems and  occupational health policy. Counselling is important for managing and promotion of wellness programmes for health workers.