COVID-19 pandemic drove violence and moral suffering for nurses in Latin America
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for health professionals around the world. A new study published in the journal Nursing Inquiry describes violence that nurses and midwives in Latin America endured—not only physical aggression, but also ethical and emotional harm.
The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted severe physical and moral harm on nurses and midwives across Latin America, according to a comprehensive study published in Nursing Inquiry. Conducted by an international team of researchers, the study analyzed responses from 3,860 healthcare professionals in 18 countries, revealing a pattern of violence and moral suffering that had been previously underestimated.
The researchers identified three key themes: care overload, social stigma, and structural accountability. Despite regional variations in blame for systemic issues, the study found consistent experiences of verbal and physical aggression, stigma, isolation, and moral distress among nurses and midwives during and after the pandemic. Participants reported feeling unfairly blamed for staffing shortages and delays beyond their control.
Allison Squires, the study's lead author and a professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, emphasized that the findings highlight the need for stronger policies to protect healthcare workers, maintain ethical accountability, and provide institutional support during both routine healthcare operations and future public health emergencies. The study underscores the need for systemic reforms in Latin America's health systems, which became more apparent under the stress of the pandemic.
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