Social epidemiology of COVID-19 in Argentina: an approach from the perspective of medical personnel

Abstract

This article explores from a socio-epidemiological perspective the syndemic character acquired by the COVID-19 pandemic at the hospital level, belonging to the public health system in Argentina. Methodologically, semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospital workers from the southern area of the metropolitan region to the Federal Capital, by virtual meeting platforms, between the months of May and November 2021. The analysis of the narratives obtained about the experience of workers, makes it possible to understand certain dimensions that contribute to deepening the deterioration of working conditions, weakening and undermining the care and self-care processes of the workers themselves, linked not only to the imponderables of the pandemic being analyzed (while this occurs), but also to previous problems and are magnified during the epidemiological emergency. In this regard, the emergence of spaces for dialogue-collective work among workers is observed, as a fundamental cohesive force to promote any change or social transformation that materializes in a concrete way within the institution.