High prevalence of mental disorder symptoms among medical and other health specialties residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic put healthcare professionals, including residents (postgraduate trainees of health professions), under intense physical and psychological stress, hence at risk for mental disorders. We evaluated the prevalence of mental disorders among healthcare residents during the pandemic. METHODS: From July to September 2020, residents in medicine and other healthcare specialties in Brazil were recruited. The participants completed electronic forms with validated questionnaires (DASS-21, PHQ-9, BRCS) to screen for depression, anxiety, and stress, and to evaluate resilience. Data on potential predisposing factors for mental disorders were also collected. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared, students t, correlation and logistic regression models were applied. The study received ethical approval, and all participants provided informed consent. RESULTS: We included 1313 participants (51.3% medical; 48.7% nonmedical) from 135 Brazilian hospitals; mean (SD) age: 27.8 (4.4) years; 78.2% females; 59.3% white race. Of all participants, 51.3%, 53.4% and 52.6% presented symptoms consistent with depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively; 61.9% showed low resilience. Nonmedical residents exhibited higher anxiety compared to medical residents (DASS-21 anxiety score, mean difference: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.15-3.37; p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, having any pre-existent, nonpsychiatric chronic disease was associated with higher prevalence of symptoms indicative of depression (odds ratio, OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.47-2.85, on DASS-21 | OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.59-3.20, on PHQ-9), anxiety (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.51-2.83, on DASS-21), and stress (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.12-2.09, on DASS-21); other predisposing factors were identified; by contrast, high resilience (BRCS score) was protective against symptoms of depression (OR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.79-0.85, on DASS-21 | OR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.82-0.88, on PHQ-9), anxiety (OR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87-0.93, on DASS-21), and stress (OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85-0.91, on DASS-21); p < 0.05 for all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of mental disorder symptoms among healthcare residents during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Nonmedical residents exhibited higher levels of anxiety than medical ones. Some predisposing factors for depression, anxiety and stress among residents were identified.

High prevalence of burnout syndrome among medical and nonmedical residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have been working under extreme conditions, increasing the risk of physical and mental illness. We evaluated the prevalence of burnout and its associated factors among postgraduate student residents in health professions during the global health crisis. METHODS: Healthcare residents were recruited from all across Brazil between July and September 2020 through digital forms containing instruments for assessing burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI)), resilience (brief resilient coping scale (BRCS)) and anxiety, stress and depression (depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)). Additionally, the relationships between burnout and chronic diseases, autonomy and educational adequacy in the residency programme, personal protective equipment (PPE), workload and care for patients with COVID-19 were evaluated. The chi-square test, Student's t test, Pearson's correlation test and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1,313 participants were included: mean (standard deviation) age, 27.8 (4.4) years; female gender, 78.1%; white race, 59.3%; and physicians, 51.3%. The overall prevalence of burnout was 33.4%. The odds (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) of burnout were higher in the presence of pre-existing diseases (1.76 [1.26-2.47]) and weekly work > 60 h (1.36 [1.03-1.79]) and were lower in the presence of high resilience (0.84 [0.81-0.88]), autonomy (0.87 [0.81-0.93]), and educational structure (0.77 [0.73-0.82]), adequate availability of PPE (0.72 [0.63-0.83]) and non-white race (0.63 [0.47-0.83]). Burnout was correlated with anxiety (r = 0.47; p < 0.05), stress (r: 0.58; p < 0.05) and depression (r: 0.65; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of burnout among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual characteristics and conditions related to the work environment were associated with a higher or lower occurrence of the syndrome.

Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of public university hospital workers in Brazil: A cohort-based analysis of 32,691 workers.

BACKGROUND: In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the world and exposed the fragility of health systems in the face of mass illness. Health professionals became protagonists, fulfilling their mission at the risk of physical and mental illness. The study aimed to evaluate absenteeism indirectly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large population of health care professionals. METHODS: An observational longitudinal repeated measures study was performed, including workers linked to 40 public university hospitals in Brazil. All causes of absenteeism were analyzed, focusing on those not directly attributed to COVID-19. Results for the same population were compared over two equivalent time intervals: prepandemic and during the pandemic. FINDINGS: A total of 32,691 workers were included in the study, with health professionals comprising 82.5% of the sample. Comparison of the periods before and during the pandemic showed a 26.6% reduction in work absence for all causes, except for COVID-19 and mental health-related absence. Concerning work absence related to mental health, the odds ratio was 39.0% higher during the pandemic. At the onset of the pandemic, there was an increase in absenteeism (all causes), followed by a progressive reduction until the end of the observation period. INTERPRETATION: Work absence related to mental illness among health care professionals increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for health care managers to prioritize and implement support strategies to minimize absenteeism.

Mental Health and Burnout Syndrome Among Postgraduate Students in Medical and Multidisciplinary Residencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to high levels of physical, psychological, and social stress among health care professionals, including postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies. This stress is associated with the intense fear of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus known to cause COVID-19. These professionals are at risk of developing physical and mental illnesses not only due to the infection but also due to prolonged exposure to multidimensional stress and continued work overload. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of mental disorders and burnout syndrome and determine the risk factors for burnout among postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: For this prospective cohort study with parallel groups, participants were recruited between July and September 2020 to achieve a sample size of at least 1144 participants. Research instruments such as Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire; Brief Resilient Coping Scale; and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory will be used to collect data. Data will be collected in 2 waves: the first wave will include data related to sample characterization and psychosocial evaluation, and the second wave will be launched 12 weeks later and will include an evaluation of the incidence of burnout as well as correlations with the potential predictive factors collected in the first wave. Additionally, we will collect data regarding participants' withdrawal from work. RESULTS: The recruitment took place from July 29 to September 5, 2020. Data analyses for this phase is already in progress. The second phase of the study is also in progress. The final data collection began on December 1, 2020, and it will be completed by December 31, 2020. CONCLUSIONS: We believe the findings of this study will help evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health conditions of health professionals in Brazil as well as contribute to the planning and implementation of appropriate measures that can alleviate these mental health challenges. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/24298.

Prevalência de disfunção sexual entre pacientes acompanhadas na coorte Brasília de artrite reumatoide inicial / Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among female patients followed in a Brasília Cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis

Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de disfunção sexual em mulheres com diagnóstico de artrite reumatoide (AR) inicial (menos de um ano de sintomas ao diagnóstico), bem como avaliar a possível associação entre disfunção sexual com atividade da AR e incapacidade funcional. Métodos: Estudo transversal, que avaliou mulheres com diagnóstico de AR inicial, acompanhadas de forma protocolar na coorte Brasília, no Hospital Universitário de Brasília. Dados demográficos, índice de atividade da doença (Disease Activity Score 28 – DAS 28) e dados do questionário de incapacidade funcional (Health Assessment Questionnaire – HAQ) foram obtidos por entrevistas diretas. Usou-se o índice de função sexual feminina (Female Sexual Function Index – FSFI), questionário que contém 19 itens que avaliam seis domínios: desejo sexual, excitação sexual, lubrificação vaginal, orgasmo, satisfação sexual e dor. Resultados: Foram estudadas 68 pacientes, das quais 54 (79,4%) relataram atividade sexual nas últimas quatro semanas. A média de idade foi de 49,7 ± 13,7 anos e a maioria era casada (61,4%). O DAS-28 médio foi de 3,6 ± 1,5 e a média do HAQ foi de 0,7. A prevalência de disfunção sexual (FSFI ≤26) foi de 79,6%. Não houve associação de atividade de doença nem de incapacidade funcional com a ocorrência de disfunção sexual nas pacientes avaliadas. Conclusão: A prevalência de disfunção sexual encontrada neste estudo foi superior à relatado na literatura em mulheres saudáveis. Há necessidade de conhecimento da extensão do problema para oferecer possibilidades terapêuticas adequadas aos pacientes. .

Objective: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (less than one year of symptoms at the time of diagnosis), as well as to evaluate the possible association between sexual dysfunction with AR activity and functional disability. Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing women diagnosed with early RA, accompanied per protocol in the Brasilia Cohort, Hospital Universitário de Brasília. Demographics, disease activity index (Disease Activity Score 28 – DAS 28) and functional disability questionnaire (Health Assessment Questionnaire – HAQ), were obtained by direct interviews. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used questionnaire which contains 19 items that assess six domains: sexual desire, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain. Results: 68 patients studied, of whom 54 (79.4%) reported sexual activity in the last four weeks. The participants were 49.7 ± 13.7 (mean ± SD) years old and the majority were married (61.4%). The mean DAS 28 was 3.6 ± 1.5 and the mean HAQ was 0.7. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤26) was 79.6%. There was no association of disease activity or of functional disability with the occurrence of sexual dysfunction in the female patients evaluated. Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction found in this study was higher than that reported in the literature in healthy women. A knowledge of the extent of the problem is needed to provide adequate therapeutic options for these patients. .

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among female patients followed in a Brasília Cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (less than one year of symptoms at the time of diagnosis), as well as to evaluate the possible association between sexual dysfunction with AR activity and functional disability. METHODS: Cross-sectional study assessing women diagnosed with early RA, accompanied per protocol in the Brasilia Cohort, Hospital Universitário de Brasília. Demographics, disease activity index (Disease Activity Score 28 - DAS 28) and functional disability questionnaire (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), were obtained by direct interviews. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used, questionnaire which contains 19 items that assess six domains: sexual desire, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain. RESULTS: 68 patients studied, of whom 54 (79.4%) reported sexual activity in the last four weeks. The participants were 49.7±13.7 (mean±SD) years old and the majority were married (61.4%). The mean DAS 28 was 3.6±1.5 and the mean HAQ was 0.7. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤26) was 79.6%. There was no association of disease activity or of functional disability with the occurrence of sexual dysfunction in the female patients evaluated. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction found in this study was higher than that reported in the literature in healthy women. A knowledge of the extent of the problem is needed to provide adequate therapeutic options for these patients.

Vacinação em pacientes da Coorte Brasília de artrite reumatoide inicial / Vaccination in patients from Brasília cohort with early rheumatoid arthritis

Introdução: Os pacientes com diagnóstico de artrite reumatoide (AR) apresentam risco aumentado de infecções. A vacinação é uma medida preventiva recomendada. Não há estudos avaliando a prática da vacinação nos pacientes com AR inicial. Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência de vacinação e a orientação (feita pelo médico) sobre vacinas entre os pacientes com diagnóstico de AR inicial. Métodos: Estudo transversal incluindo pacientes da coorte Brasília de AR inicial. Foram analisados dados demográficos, índice de atividade da doença (Disease Activity Score 28 - DAS28), incapacidade funcional (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), dados sobre tratamento e vacinação após o diagnóstico da AR. Resultados: Foram avaliados 68 pacientes, sendo 94,1% mulheres, com idade média de 50,7 ± 13,2 anos. O DAS28 foi de 3,65 ± 1,64, e o HAQ de 0,70. A maioria dos pacientes (63%) possuía cartão vacinal. Apenas cinco pacientes (7,3%) foram orientados pelo médico sobre uso das vacinas. Os pacientes foram vacinados para tríplice viral (8,8%), tétano (44%), febre amarela (44%), hepatite B (22%), gripe (42%), influenza H1N1 (61,76%), pneumonia (1,4%), meningite (1,4%) e varicela (1,4%). Todos os pacientes vacinados com vírus vivo atenuado estavam em uso de imunossupressores e receberam as vacinas de forma inadvertida, sem orientação médica. Não houve associação entre o uso de nenhuma vacina e atividade da doença, incapacidade funcional, anos de escolaridade, hábitos de vida, comorbidades. Conclusão: Os pacientes foram pouco orientados pelo médico com relação ao uso das vacinas, com elevada frequência de vacinação inadvertida com componente vivo atenuado, enquanto a imunização com vírus ...

Introduction: Patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of infections. Vaccination is a recommended preventive measure. There are no studies evaluating the practice of vaccination in patients with early RA. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of vaccination and the orientation (by the doctor) about vaccines among patients with early RA diagnosis. Methods: Cross-sectional study including patients from the early RA Brasilia cohort. Demographic data, disease activity index (Disease Activity Score 28 - DAS28), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), and data on treatment and vaccination after diagnosis of RA were analyzed. Results: Sixty-eight patients were evaluated, 94.1% women, mean age 50.7 ± 13.2 years. DAS28 was 3.65 ± 1.64, and HAQ was 0.70. Most patients (63%) had vaccination card. Only five patients (7.3%) were briefed by the doctor about the use of vaccines. Patients were vaccinated for MMR (8.8%), tetanus (44%), yellow fever (44%), hepatitis B (22%), influenza (42%), H1N1 (61.76%), pneumonia (1.4%), meningitis (1.4%), and chickenpox (1.4%). All patients vaccinated with live attenuated virus were undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, and were vaccinated inadvertently, without medical supervision. There was no association between the use of any vaccine and disease activity, functional disability, years of education, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Conclusion: Patients were infrequently briefed by the physician regarding use of vaccines, with high frequency of inadvertent vaccination with live attenuated component, while immunization with killed virus was below the recommended level. .

[Vaccination in patients from Brasília cohort with early rheumatoid arthritis]. / Vacinação em pacientes da Coorte Brasília de artrite reumatoide inicial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of infections. Vaccination is a recommended preventive measure. There are no studies evaluating the practice of vaccination in patients with early RA. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of vaccination and the orientation (by the doctor) about vaccines among patients with early RA diagnosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including patients from the early RA Brasilia cohort. Demographic data, disease activity index (Disease Activity Score 28 - DAS28), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), and data on treatment and vaccination after diagnosis of RA were analyzed. RESULTS: 68 patients were evaluated, 94.1% women, mean age 50.7±13.2 years. DAS28 was 3.65±1.64, and HAQ was 0.70. Most patients (63%) had vaccination card. Only five patients (7.3%) were briefed by the doctor about the use of vaccines. Patients were vaccinated for MMR (8.8%), tetanus (44%), yellow fever (44%), hepatitis B (22%), influenza (42%), H1N1 (61.76%), pneumonia (1.4%), meningitis (1.4%), and chickenpox (1.4%). All patients vaccinated with live attenuated virus were undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, and were vaccinated inadvertently, without medical supervision. There was no association between the use of any vaccine and disease activity, functional disability, years of education, lifestyle, and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Patients were infrequently briefed by the physician regarding use of vaccines, with high frequency of inadvertent vaccination with live attenuated component, while immunization with killed virus was below the recommended level.

Physical activity among patients from the Brasília cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: The 2012 Consensus of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) recommends that patients should regularly perform physical exercises. There have been no studies in Brazil on physical activity among patients with early RA. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical activity practice among patients with early RA and the possible association between physical activity, disease activity and functional disability. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients from the Brasilia cohort of early RA. Demographic data (sex, age and level of schooling), physical activity practice, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), as well as data on smoking status, alcohol consumption, comorbidities and RA treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were evaluated, 90.27% females, mean age 50.2 ± 13.3 years, mean DAS 28: 3.66 and HAQ: 0.69. Of them, 43.05% were regularly active, with walking being the most often practiced exercise (80.64%). The mean duration of exercise was 48.22 ± 27.18 min, with a frequency of 3.7 ± 1.64 times per week. There was no association between physical activity and gender, age, educational level, disease activity, functional disability, alcoholism or smoking, presence of comorbidities and treatment with drugs that alter the course of disease. CONCLUSION: Given the importance of regular physical activity practice, it is necessary to recommend it to patients, especially resistance physical activities, which are not frequent among the patients in our study.

Prática de atividade física entre pacientes da Coorte Brasília de artrite reumatoide inicial / Physical activity among patients from the Brasília cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUÇÃO: O Consenso 2012 da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para Tratamento da Artrite Reumatoide (AR) recomenda que os pacientes realizem exercícios físicos de forma regular. Não há estudos no Brasil sobre a prática de atividade física entre pacientes com AR inicial. OBJETIVO: Investigar a prática de atividade física entre pacientes com AR inicial e a possível relação entre atividade física, atividade da doença e incapacidade funcional. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal incluindo pacientes da Coorte Brasília de AR inicial. Foram analisados dados demográficos (sexo, idade e escolaridade), prática de atividade física, índice de atividade da doença (Disease Activity Score 28 - DAS 28), incapacidade funcional (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), além de dados sobre tabagismo, etilismo, presença de comorbidades e tratamento da AR. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 72 pacientes, sendo 90,27% do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 50,2 ± 13,3 anos, média do DAS 28: 3,66 e a do HAQ: 0,69. Estavam regularmente ativos 43,05%, sendo que a caminhada foi o exercício mais praticado (80,64%). A média de tempo de exercício físico foi de 48,22 ± 27,18 min, periodicidade de 3,7 ± 1,64 vezes na semana. Não houve associação entre atividade física com sexo, idade, escolaridade, atividade da doença, incapacidade funcional, tabagismo ou etilismo, presença de comorbidades e tratamento com drogas modificadoras do curso da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Dada a importância da prática regular de atividade física, há necessidade de orientação dos pacientes, em especial quanto à prática de atividades resistidas, pouco frequente entre os pacientes do nosso estudo.

INTRODUCTION: The 2012 Consensus of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) recommends that patients should regularly perform physical exercises. There have been no studies in Brazil on physical activity among patients with early RA. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physical activity practice among patients with early RA and the possible association between physical activity, disease activity and functional disability. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients from the Brasilia cohort of early RA. Demographic data (sex, age and level of schooling), physical activity practice, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire - HAQ), as well as data on smoking status, alcohol consumption, comorbidities and RA treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were evaluated, 90.27% females, mean age 50.2 ± 13.3 years, mean DAS 28: 3.66 and HAQ: 0.69. Of them, 43.05% were regularly active, with walking being the most often practiced exercise (80.64%). The mean duration of exercise was 48.22 ± 27.18 min, with a frequency of 3.7 ± 1.64 times per week. There was no association between physical activity and gender, age, educational level, disease activity, functional disability, alcoholism or smoking, presence of comorbidities and treatment with drugs that alter the course of disease. CONCLUSION: Given the importance of regular physical activity practice, it is necessary to recommend it to patients, especially resistance physical activities, which are not frequent among the patients in our study.