Mental health and working conditions in nursing: challenges to the quality of care

Abigail Fernández-Sánchez, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Claudia Rodríguez-Leana, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Beatriz L. Rodríguez-Bahena, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Sandra Hernández-Corral, Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria en Salud, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Claudia Macías-Carrillo, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Ma. Luisa Gutiérrez-Fierro, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México

Introduction: Mental health and working conditions among nursing staff represent significant challenges for human resources managers, as the lack of adequate organizational structures can negatively impact staff performance and well-being. Objective: To analyze the relationship between mental health and work factors, specifically the shift and service assigned to nursing staff, as well as its impact on perceived care behaviors in a public hospital. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 110 nurses from a public hospital in the state of Morelos. The instruments used were the Mental Health Care Perception Scale by Goldenberg and the Caring Burnout Inventory by Wolf. Results: The four subscales of general mental health were analyzed, with 29.41% of participants scoring low, 19.91% medium, and 13.62% high. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between mental health levels and the dimensions of care perception. Higher scores were observed among participants with better mental health, and associations were also found with work shift and clinical area. The findings are consistent with previous studies, demonstrating that better mental health is associated with improved nursing performance and a more positive perception of care provided. Conclusions: Identifying mental health issues among nursing staff is essential to strengthening the quality of care provided to hospitalized patients. Implementing organizational strategies that promote emotional well-being can significantly improve professional performance and the quality of hospital services.

Keywords: Mental health. Challenges in care. Nursing.