Impact of fatigue on nurses recovered from COVID-19 in a northeastern Brazilian state

Authors

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/eglobal.647361
Keywords: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, Fatigue, Nurses

Supporting Agencies

  • Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Abstract

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 fatigue is a condition exerting various impacts on people, especially on health professionals.

Objective: To analyze the impact exerted by fatigue on nurses recovered from COVID-19 in a northeastern Brazilian state.

Method: A quantitative-qualitative study conducted in a northeastern Brazilian state by means of an online survey. Data collection took place between May 2021 and August 2024. A bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed for the quantitative data. The qualitative data were presented through thematic categorical content analysis. All ethical precepts were respected, with due approval from a Research Ethics Committee.

Results: A total of 301 nurses were included, with predominance of female, married and brown-skinned subjects. The prevalence of self-reported post-COVID-19 fatigue was 52.3%. The participants working in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency sectors presented higher chances of reporting fatigue. The qualitative analysis revealed that fatigue exerted an impact on the performance of activities of daily living and on the need for sleep and rest. Difficulties were found for health professionals to recognize post-COVID-19 conditions. Other fatigue-associated symptoms reported included memory and hair fall and difficulty concentrating.

Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 fatigue exerted negative impacts on nurses' personal life and work activities.

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Author Biographies

Sarah Loyse Silva Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Costa, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Enfermeira pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB).

Viviane Cordeiro de Queiroz, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Enfermeira. Doutoranda em Enfermagem pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB).

Cizone Maria Carneiro Acioly, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Enfermeira. Doutora em Enfermagem. Docente em Enfermagem na Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB).

Elucir Gir, Universidade de São Paulo

Enfermeira. Doutora em Enfermagem. Docente em Enfermagem na Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP-USP).

Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Enfermeira. Doutora em Ciências. Docente em Enfermagem na Univesidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB).

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Published
07-01-2026
How to Cite
[1]
Silva Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Costa, S.L. et al. 2026. Impact of fatigue on nurses recovered from COVID-19 in a northeastern Brazilian state. Global Nursing. 24, 3 (Jan. 2026). DOI:https://doi.org/10.6018/eglobal.647361.
Issue
Vol. 24 No. 3 (2025): #77 September-December
Section
ORIGINAL RESEARCH

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