Nurses and practitioners during the flu epidemic of 1918: Analysis through the Spanish press

Abstract

Objective: The influenza epidemic of 1918 is considered one of the most lethal in the history of mankind, causing a high morbidity and mortality that was reflected in the Spanish press. Therefore, we intend to address the epidemic-related events in relation to nursing professionals from a journalistic perspective. Material and method: From ten Spanish newspaper heads, the information on nursing professionals has been extracted, from January 1, 1918 to December 31, 1920, proceeding to its thematic organization and characterization. Results: A total of 555 units of analysis were obtained, which addressed aspects of recognition, creation of professional profiles, beginning of academic course, as well as wage demands, strikes and care that were offered. Conclusion: We could say that the number of information is scarce, which raises an invisibility of nursing professionals, which is extended to the present.