8291687 Psychological distress among workers in Brazil during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

<h3></h3> Objectives to identify the prevalence of psychological distress among workers in Brazil during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate its associated factors. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire distributed to 2,903 Brazilian workers between April and May 2020 A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire administered to 2,903 Brazilian workers between April and May 2020. The sample included 1,752 non-healthcare workers (NHCWs) and 1,151 healthcare workers (HCWs), recruited through snowball sampling. Statistical comparisons between NHCWs and HCWs were performed using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, followed by effect size measurement. Multiple linear regression analyses, with the response variable following a Poisson distribution, were employed to examine factors associated with psychological distress. <h3>Results</h3> The prevalence of psychological distress was 72.6% (70.1-74.2%), with no statistically significant difference between HCWs and NHCWs. Although 32 variables differed significantly between the groups, only seven had clinical and epidemiological relevance, mainly related to job conditions. Work stress was a significant predictor of psychological distress (PR 1.04; 1.02–1.05), though its impact lessened when no family members had been infected with COVID-19. In contrast, a stronger sense of coherence served as a protective factor (0.99; 0.96–0.99), but its protective effect was also reduced in the absence of family infection. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The study revealed high psychological distress among Brazilian workers early in the pandemic, with work stress and sense of coherence as key factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health strategies, particularly for those facing both work and family-related stress.