Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in health professionals during the coronavirus pandemic

Objective: to analyze the predictors of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in health professionals exposed to the coronavirus in Brazil. Methodology: a quantitative and crosssectional study to analyze predictors of depression and suicidal ideation in health professionals exposed to the coronavirus, derived from the matrix study entitled “Mental health diagnoses of health professionals assisting suspected or confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) cases in Brazil: A longitudinal study”. Through a multiple regression model, we investigated variables such as race, gender, COVID-19 exposure and behavioral activation score seeking predictors of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with 482 health professionals who participated in the online questionnaire by means of email and social media outreach. Results: we found the following predictors for depressive symptoms: coronavirus protection and prevention, behavioral activation score, quality of life, and alcohol use. For suicidal ideation, we found no predictors with an effect on the statistical model, given the low variability of suicidal ideation (26 participants). There was prevalence of female participants, from the Nursing staff and with a mean age of 38 years old. Conclusion: we need to invest in quality of life, social support and support networks to strengthen health professionals and manage psychopathological symptoms.