Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families of People with Severe Mental Disorders Participating in Community Peer Support Groups in Brazil

People with severe mental disorders are at increased risk of dying from COVID-19 and more susceptible to the impacts of the pandemic. This study aims to understand how the families of patients with severe mental disorders followed up in community peer support groups experienced the beginning of the pandemic in Brazil and how they fared during the period of restricted physical contact. Family members (n = 82) and patients (n = 27) belonging to community groups in Rio de Janeiro responded to an online survey that included assessments of quality of life and well-being along with open-ended questions. Thematic analysis of the answers showed that the majority of remarks were positive, despite the concerns, fears, and feelings common at the time. Positive feelings were also mentioned significantly. These findings demonstrate that this population was adaptive and resilient in coping with the restrictions on physical contact. The main concerns and difficulties of this population are discussed.

COVID-19 Pandemic Factors and Depressive Symptoms Among Primary Care Workers in São Paulo, Brazil, October and November 2020.

Objectives. To investigate associations between COVID-19-related factors and depressive symptoms among primary care workers (PCWs) in São Paulo, Brazil, and to compare the prevalence of probable depression among PCWs before and during the pandemic. Methods. In a random sample of primary care clinics, we examined 6 pandemic-related factors among 828 PCWs. We used multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios for probable depression. We assessed the prevalence of probable depression in PCWs before and during the pandemic in 2 comparable studies. Results. Adjusted prevalence ratios were substantial for insufficient personal protective equipment; experiences of discrimination, violence, or harassment; and lack of family support. Comparisons between PCWs before and during the pandemic showed that the prevalence of probable depression among physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants was higher during the pandemic and that the prevalence among community health workers was higher before the pandemic. Conclusions. Our findings indicate domains that may be crucial to mitigating depression among PCWs but that, with the exception of personal protective equipment, have not previously been examined in this population. It is crucial that governments and communities address discriminatory behaviors against PCWs, promote their well-being at work, and foster family support. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(5):786-794. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306723).