Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of a sample of Portuguese healthcare professionals' about working conditions, their impact on behaviour, and mental health. The intention is to increase the knowledge about the effect of these conditions on substance abuse and burnout. The sample includes 91 professionals, averaging 39 years of age, with 72.4% females, 17.6% physicians, and 82.4% nurses. The MBI, SDS, and WCAS were used as measurement instruments. Just 20.9% view their conditions positively, while 38.5% find them unfavourable, emphasising precariousness, physical environment, and material inadequacy in healthcare institutions. Notably, public sector conditions are worse than in the private sector. The study reveals a significant impact of these conditions on burnout symptoms and substance consumption among professionals. Over 80% experience high emotional exhaustion, and nearly 60% display elevated depersonalisation. Furthermore, comparative analyses of these variables were conducted based on socio-demographic and professional variables. The study links adverse working conditions to substance consumption as a maladaptive coping strategy. Professionals facing burnout are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and psychoactive substances, affecting individual well-being, patient care, and the healthcare system. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of results were discussed.