NURSES' PERCEPTIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES IN COVID-19 PATIENT CARE

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the mental health challenges and coping strategies of 116 nurses in Pakistan who cared for COVID-19 patients. The results revealed that nurses faced significant mental health issues, including physical violence (56.06%), with strong associations between these challenges and the use of preventive measures like PPE and social distancing. Coping strategies such as meditation and religious activities were found to significantly improve mental health outcomes. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health support and interventions for nurses in healthcare settings.