Severe Depression in Healthcare Workers: Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ribeiro Gonçalves, Tonantzin; Brust-Renck, Priscila Goergen; Ferrari, Jocieli; Veronese, Marília Verissimo; Cecilia Lopez, Laura; Cabral, Sueli Maria; Carlotto, Mary Sandra

doi:10.15517/ap.v39i139.58478

Authors

Tonantzin Ribeiro Gonçalves Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0249-3358
Priscila Goergen Brust-Renck University of São Paulo Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9891-510X
Jocieli Ferrari Universidade do Vale do Taquari Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5610-9131
Marília Verissimo Veronese Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3618-7079
Laura Cecilia Lopez Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2454-063X
Sueli Maria Cabral Feevale University Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8975-3620
Mary Sandra Carlotto University of Brasília Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2336-5224

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/ap.v39i139.58478

Keywords:

Depression, mental health, health personnel, psychosocial factors, cross-sectional studies, COVID-19

Abstract

Objective. The study investigated the association between severe depression prevalence in healthcare workers and various factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. 610 participants completed an online questionnaire, including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regression. Results. Severe depression prevalence was 62.8%. In the adjusted model, women, and those with a family income of up to 4 minimum wages had a higher outcome prevalence. Factors such as poor working conditions, high stigma perception, elevated concern levels, low professional recognition, and increased medication/psychiatric treatment usage were associated with higher severe depression prevalence during the pandemic. Strengthening public policies for healthcare personnel during public-health disasters is essential.

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