Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) were profound and far-reaching. This study, therefore, investigated these effects among HCWs at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, focusing on mental health measures that include stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and compassionate fatigue experienced amid the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim to determine existing coping mechanisms and institutional support systems. METHODOLOGY: Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively for 100 HCWs who participated, providing a comprehensive perspective on their psychological well-being during the pandemic. RESULTS: Key findings revealed shows the intersectionality of mental health vulnerability, showing how language and caregiving roles interact with the emotional burden of a disaster. Therefore, targeted mental health interventions should focus on providing linguistically accessible services and outreach programs. The results also highlight the critical role of staff support in influencing how individuals cope and how effective they perceive their coping methods. The study found that institutional support systems were perceived as insufficient, with counseling services not being adequately utilised, contributing to increased frustration and resentment toward management. Additionally, coping mechanisms provided by the hospital, including peer support groups, were deemed ineffective by most participants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that the psychological well-being of HCWs required immediate and sustained attention. The implementation of structured mental health programs, including regular debriefing sessions, easily accessible counseling services, and stress management training, is recommended by this study. This study conclude that there is weak evidence of institutional support affecting HCWs' training and preparedness to use mental health systems during COVID-19.