Mental health outcomes in frontline healthcare workers in Brazil during the COVID-19 epidemic: Results of an online survey in four regions using respondent-driven sampling (RDS).

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed health facilities and presented healthcare workers (HCWs) with a new infectious disease threat. In addition to a sanitary crisis, Brazil still had to face major political, economic, and social challenges. This study aimed to investigate mental health outcomes in frontline HCWs in different regions of the country and at different epidemic times. We also sought to identify the main risk factors associated with these outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey using respondent-driven sampling was conducted to recruit physicians (n = 584), nurses (n = 997), and nurse technicians (n = 524) in 4 regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Southeast, and South) from August 2020 to July 2021. We used standardized instruments to screen for common mental disorders (CMD)(SRQ-20), alcohol misuse (AUDIT-C), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(PCL-5). Gile's successive sampling estimator was used to produce weighted estimates. We created a three-cluster data set for each HCW category and developed a hierarchical regression model with three levels: individual characteristics; workplace-related aspects; COVID-19 personal experience. The impact of the epidemic moment on the outcomes was also studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable CMD was 26.8-36.9%, alcohol misuse 8.7-13.6%, depression 16.4-21.2%, anxiety 10.8-14.2%, and PTSD 5.9-8.0%. We found a stronger association between mental health outcomes and the following factors: history of psychiatric disorders, female gender, and clinical comorbidities (level 1); work overload and family isolation (level 2); sick leave (level 3). Epidemic variables, such as the number of deaths and trend of deaths by COVID-19, had almost no impact on the outcomes. CONCLUSION: An alarmingly high prevalence of depression and anxiety was found in Brazilian frontline HCWs. Individual factors were the most strongly associated with mental health outcomes. These findings indicate the need to develop programs that provide emotional support, identify professionals at risk and refer them to specialized treatment when necessary.

Prevalence and Correlates of Nonprescription Hormone Use Among Trans Women in São Paulo, Brazil.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of nonprescription hormone use among Brazilian trans women. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey of trans women in São Paulo, Brazil, recruited by respondent-driven sampling in 2017-2019. Results: Of 790 trans women, 36.8% were taking nonprescribed hormones. Nonprescribed hormone use was higher with younger age, lower education, homelessness, and using estrogen plus progesterone. Lower use was associated with accessing health care and having trans-specific health needs met. Conclusion: Marginalized Brazilian trans women exhibit high use of nonprescription hormones, which may have health consequences and requires further examination and research.

A phase I clinical trial of a new 5-valent rotavirus vaccine.

We conducted a phase I, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate a new 5-valent oral rotavirus vaccine's safety and immunogenicity profiles. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 3 orally administered doses of a live-attenuated human-bovine (UK) reassortant rotavirus vaccine, containing five viral antigens (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G9), or a placebo. The frequency and severity of adverse events were assessed. Immunogenicity was evaluated by the titers of anti-rotavirus IgA and the presence of neutralizing antibodies anti-rotavirus. No severe adverse events were observed. There was no difference in the frequency of mild adverse events between experimental and control groups. The proportion of seroconversion was consistently higher in the vaccine group, for all serotypes, after each one of the doses. The 5-valent vaccine has shown a good profile of safety and immunogenicity in this small sample of adult volunteers.