USE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS BY HOSPITAL HEALTH WORKERS

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the use of psychotropic drugs and factors associated with the use among health personnel at a hospital in Santa Cruz do Sul, RS factors. It was a cross-sectional study and the data collection was performed through a self-administered, unidentifiable and  structured questionnaire with open and closed questions, between September and October 2012. 106 professionals were interviewed, 91.5% women, 74.5% nursing and 40.57% working in inpatient units. About the participants, 23 (21.7%) were using psychotropics, with higher consumption, among professionals working in Intensive Care Units (34.78%) as well as in inpatient units (34.78%). These workers had over 60 hours weekly working (50%), including cases of more than one bond employment. It could be observed a higher prevalence of the consumption of psychotropic medications among nursing staff (22.8%). The main reasons for the early use of drugs studied were depression, anxiety and insomnia. The lack of knowledge about the characteristics of medicines and treatment were also observed. The results indicate a high use of psychotropic drugs among health professionals and that there is a need for more communication between prescribers and users, and the search for pharmaceutical care in order to clarify doubts regarding treatment, for proper rational use of medications.