O uso de substâncias psicotrópicas entre profissionais de enfermagem

Abstract

Objectives: To understand how the use of psychotropic substances is present in the lives of nurses and the possible consequences of this use, and to analyze the factors of personal involvement of these professionals with psychotropic medications. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with 87 nurses from the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Sao Paulo. The questionnaire was disseminated through virtual social networks (WhatsApp and Facebook), mailing lists and other digital platforms. Results: Of the 87 nurses who participated in the study, 77 (88.5%) said that they had already used at least one of the psychotropic drugs surveyed. After alcohol, the most frequently cited class of drugs was tranquilizers, sedatives or calming agents. We observed that over half of the nurses (49 of 87; 56.3%) said that they had used some tranquilizer, sedative or calming agent at some point in their lives. The third class of psychotropic drugs most frequently cited was centrally acting analgesics (codeine and tramadol). Conclusions: It was evident that younger nursesand those with fewer years of education are the most vulnerable ones. We emphasize the need for a societywide look at this professional category. Afterall, what will happen if the caregiver gets sick?