Pandemic Impact: drug dependence in public health professionals and the urgency for effective labor policies in Ecuador

Abstract

This article had the main objective of identifying the underlying causes that drive the increase in drug dependence in public health workers in Ecuador, examining the trends observed in this behavior and evaluating the consequences both for the mental health of these professionals and for the quality of the medical care provided to the population. The applied methodology was based on qualitative techniques that allowed the review and analysis of bibliographic sources relevant to the study. Likewise, it is classified as being exploratory and descriptive, developing a detailed analysis of drug dependence in the health system and the importance of effective labor policies. The results of this research highlight that the presence of Covid-19 accentuated the drug dependence of a large percentage of public health workers in Ecuador, demonstrating that despite the actions implemented by the national government to address this problem, the lack of resources and specific programs, reflecting the fragility of the system and the urgency of urgent comprehensive responses. Therefore, it could be concluded that given the findings obtained, the Ecuadorian State must develop labor policies within the public health system that not only prevent dependency, but also promote a cultural change towards the well-being of health professionals, which that reflects the continued commitment to preserving the mental health of these essential workers in Ecuador

Keywords:

Substance dependence, Public health, Covid-19.