Expansion of Psychosocial Distress in Nurses Working in Hemodialysis during Exposure to COVID-19 Pandemic in Bulgaria

Abstract

A new type of virus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread globally throughout the world. The COVID-19 epidemic rapidly spread worldwide. The health care system, society and medical professionals have prepared to adapt, train and resist the increased psychosocial pressure. In this situation, the role and place of medical professionals has become noticeably more prominent, and the psychosocial stress of the work environment has increased its impact - progressing to high levels of harmful intensity towards the medical professionals. Focusing within the borders of Bulgaria, it can be argued that the initial two waves of high levels of COVID-19 prevalence were difficult and critical to overcome. The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of psychosocial stress on the functional status examined with the response of arterial blood pressure of nurses, practicing long-term care in hemodialysis clinics and centers during exposure to COVID-19 pandemic. A study was conducted on the subjective assessment of psychological and social risk factors, and arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 2018-2019 (pre-COVID-19 period) and 2020 (COVID-19 period), respectively. The methods used were the NIOSH questionnaire - to assess psychosocial stress at work and to measure blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer. The results showed that the expansion of psychosocial risks from the work environment impacted on the functional status of nurses, with an increase in the level of social support and systolic blood pressure during the COVID-19 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, and a decrease in the level of control when comparing the same periods. We will monitor and observe these effects with concern in order to respond in a timely manner with effective and practical strategies, policies and programs to counter and prevent psychosocial stress in the workplace. One of the outlined guiding goals and trends for this will be to both preserve and prolong the work life of nurses and to reposition them as a key and significant group for the healthcare system.