Longitudinal Changes in Work-Related Pleasure, Suffering, and Harm Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Healthcare workers experienced substantial psychosocial challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, yet longitudinal evidence on changes in work-related pleasure, suffering, and harm remains limited. This study investigated longitudinal changes in psychosocial risk indicators among Brazilian healthcare professionals during two phases of the pandemic. A prospective observational study was conducted with 113 healthcare professionals who completed two online assessments in April–June 2020 (T1) and November 2020–January 2021 (T2). Work-related pleasure and suffering were assessed using the Scale of Indicators of Pleasure and Suffering at Work (EIPST), and work-related harm was evaluated using the Work-Related Harm Assessment Scale (EADRT). Paired comparisons were performed using paired t-tests with bootstrap confidence intervals; effect sizes were estimated using Cohen’s d and probability of superiority. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, statistically significant reductions remained for professional burnout (p = 0.001; d = 0.31) and psychological harm (p = 0.006; d = 0.26). Although overall work-related suffering showed a nominally significant reduction (p = 0.034; d = 0.21), this finding did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The corresponding effect sizes were small, and most psychosocial risk indicators remained within critical risk classifications at both assessments. Professional fulfillment changed from a critical to a satisfactory classification, although its longitudinal difference was not statistically significant. These findings suggest modest reductions in psychosocial distress over time while highlighting the persistence of critical psychosocial risks. Organizational strategies aimed at preventing psychosocial hazards and promoting healthy working conditions remain essential to protect healthcare workers during routine practice and future public health emergencies.