Work

PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE: Mental health of health professionals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Working in Pediatric Palliative Care units can predispose to psychological illness due to feelings of hopelessness, sadness and impotence in the face of death. The objective of this study was to evaluate symptoms of anxiety, depression and motivation among health professionals working in Pediatric Palliative Care in a Teaching Hospital in the interior of São Paulo. This is a cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative approaches. 30 professionals participated, of which 63.2% (n=19) presented possible or probable symptoms of anxiety, and 29.9% (n=9) of depression. Of the participants with anxiety symptoms, 26.6% (n=8) had undergone psychological counseling and 13.3% (n=3) used psychotropic drugs. Among the participants with depressive symptoms, only 3.3% (n=1) had undergone psychological counseling. The qualitative analysis of motivation identified five main categories: 1) lack of rewards, 2) recognition, 3) improved quality of life, 4) learning, and 5) motivation for life. In emotionally demanding contexts such as Pediatric Palliative Care, there is a higher prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression, impacting the mental health of professionals; and motivation is linked to personal and professional factors.

Source: Psicologia e Saúde em Debate

DOI: 10.22289/2446-922x.v11a2a19

Authors: Laís Tiemi Uehara, Jéssica Aires da Silva Oliveira, Eliane Regina Lucania Dionísio

Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto

Language: English

Topic: Palliative and Oncologic Care

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $38