Mental Health and Psychological Impact of COVID‐19 on Eswatini’s Healthcare Workers at a COVID-19 Designated Hospital

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed severe psychological strain on healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly in resource-limited settings. This study explored the mental health and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on HCWs in Eswatini’s main COVID-19 referral hospital, focusing on sources of distress and resilience. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was adopted within an interpretivist paradigm to capture the lived experiences and meanings HCWs attached to their work during the pandemic. Fifteen participants including nurses, physicians, a pharmacist, a radiographer, and a laboratory scientist, were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured guides. Data were analyzed thematically following Colaizzi’s framework. Findings revealed five major themes: emotional reactions, psycho-social distress and exhaustion, resilience and coping mechanisms, impact on quality of care and motivation, and recommendations for future preparedness. The study concludes that Eswatini’s HCWs endured profound psychological distress but also exhibited adaptive resilience. Strengthening institutional mental health support, ensuring continuous counseling, peer-support systems, and professional recognition are imperative to safeguard HCW well-being and enhance preparedness for future health crises.