Perceived stigma, substance use and self-medication in night-shift healthcare workers: a qualitative study.
BMC Health Serv Res
; 22(1): 698, 2022 May 24.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35610623
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Many risk factors related to altered circadian rhythms impact the health of night-shift hospital workers (NSHW), resulting in mental and somatic disorders. Easy access to psychoactive substances (PS) may facilitate addictive behaviors in NSHW. They are also exposed to a stressful work environment, which may further affect sleep quality. This study aimed to explore the link between sleep deprivation, work-related psychosocial stress and psychoactive substance use as a self-medication response in NSHW.METHODS:
Qualitative study to verify the plausibility of the self-medication theory applied to addictive behaviors. Semi-structured interviews (N = 18 NSHW) and thematic analysis, following consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research recommendations.RESULTS:
Stigma against NSHW was a primary element of a stressful work environment. The stressful and stigmatizing environment, together with night-shift work, further affected NSHW sleep and their mental and physical health. The use of PS appeared to be for self-medication, encouraged by social and professional environments, source(s) of stress, discrimination, and isolation. The work environment, through aggravated sleep disorders, led NSHW to use non-prescribed sleeping pills. Alcohol after work and smoking were used as a social break but also as a means to reduce stress.CONCLUSION:
Anti-stigma interventions in the healthcare setting and screening of mental/somatic disorders in NSHW can help reduce harmful self-medication behaviors and improve hospital care in the COVID-19 era.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Self Medication
/
Substance-Related Disorders
/
Social Stigma
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
BMC Health Serv Res
Journal subject:
PESQUISA EM SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Year:
2022
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France