Incidence of anxiolytic use after a night shift in prehospital and intrahospital personnel in Cuenca city.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the incidence of anxiolytic substance consumption among healthcare professionals in the Cuenca canton across various service areas. It includes both the prehospital setting, where paramedics and doctors specializing in prehospital care work, and those in internal areas of health centers, hospitals, and clinics, such as physicians, nurses, and obstetricians. The study places particular emphasis on professionals whose jobs involve rotating schedules, specifically those working night shifts. Furthermore, it examines the relationship between night shifts and the psychological and physiological conditions affecting the social and human well-being of these professionals as individuals and their families. The methodology used was cuantitative investigation, as the information was collected through surveys conducted among professionals. This approach allowed for quantifying the incidence of anxiolytic consumption and identifying the underlying factors influencing these behaviors. The results revealed that 27.3% of respondents consume these substances, with a significant focus on benzodiazepines and their derivatives. This is attributed to the easy access that health-related workers have to medications, despite efforts to control the distribution of such drugs. Leakage continues to occur, raising concerns about regulatory weaknesses and the normalization of these unsafe practices in the healthcare sector. This research highlights the importance of addressing the effects of night shifts and work-related stress on the mental and physical health of professionals. It also underscores the urgent need for occupational health policies and preventive strategies to tackle these issues effectively, ensuring a safer and healthier work environment for healthcare professionals everywhere.