Prolonged Effects on Frontline Caregivers: Occupational Stress and Mental Well-Being in Transformed Healthcare Environments Post-COVID-19

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated Quality of Life (QoL) and mental health among nursing technicians in Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) emergency units, specifically exploring occupational safety and well-being in the post-COVID-19 era. DESIGN: A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional design was employed. METHODS: Data from 146 nursing professionals in Brazilian SUS emergency units were collected remotely during the post-acute pandemic phase (July-Nov 2024). QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) and mental health (HADS) were assessed, followed by descriptive and correlational statistics. RESULTS: The predominantly female, experienced sample showed heterogeneous general QoL but pervasive anxiety, reflecting a sustained psychological burden. Sociodemographic/professional factors had a negligible impact; the emergency environment's overwhelming influence, intensified by post-pandemic challenges, was key. Psychological distress was strongly negatively correlated with overall QoL and depression in the social domain. CONCLUSIONS: The intrinsic nature of emergency work, amplified by persistent psychosocial effects of the global health crisis, drives anxiety and impairs QoL/social relationships. Interventions strengthening QoL, enhancing coping, and adapting work environments to new realities (e.g., loneliness, prolonged mental health impacts) are vital for professional well-being and patient care in this post-pandemic era.