Mitigating burnout and suicidal ideation in the Brazilian health care workforce: the role of workplace support during COVID-19.

Abstract

Introduction: The mental health of health care workers has become a major concern, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying associated factors that could be targeted for prevention and specific interventions is crucial.

Objectives: To investigate burnout, suicidal ideation, and associated factors among Brazilian health care workers during the pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from May 22 to June 22, 2020. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to assess three dimensions of burnout (personal, work-related, and client-related). Individual and occupational data were also evaluated.

Results: Among 844 participants (81% female, age 41.9 ± 10.9 years), clinically relevant burnout rates were 54.6% according to the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory personal dimension, with an 8.3% incidence of suicidal ideation in the last month. Workplace support exhibited the strongest association with all three burnout dimensions (β = -0.29-0.37; p < 0.001) and suicidal ideation (Exp[b] = 0.95; p = 0.002), emerging as a crucial protective factor, even when adjusting for other variables. Older age, higher household income, and regular physical exercise also emerged as protective factors against burnout, but not against suicidal ideation. Female gender, direct involvement in care of COVID-19 patients, longer working hours, and self-perceived high-risk status for COVID were risk factors solely for burnout. Childhood trauma and a history of psychiatric diagnosis were associated with both burnout and suicidal ideation.

Conclusions: Fostering a supportive work environment could prove to be an efective strategy to mitigate mental health risks among health care workers in response to chronic stress, even in vulnerable contexts such as major health crises.