Objectives: This study aimed to assess longitudinal patterns of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as their predictors, in a reference hospital workforce during the first two waves of the pandemic in Brazil.
Methods: Data were collected between July 2020 and June 2021 (N = 1,078). Anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms were assessed using three self-report scales (GAD-7, PHQ-9, IES-R). Predictor analysis included COVID-19-related events, fear of COVID-19, and institutional support. Statistical analysis involved linear mixed models and local polynomial regressions.
Results: Anxiety and depression showed a tendency towards increased reactivity, while posttraumatic stress presented a tendency towards reduction with less fluctuation. Predictor analysis showed that higher levels of institutional support were associated with a reduced risk of all mental health outcomes. Conversely, greater fear of COVID-19 was positively associated with all of them.
Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of allocating enhanced attention and resources to effectively address pressing personal health challenges, emphasizing the significance of organizational support and continuous monitoring of emotional distress.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; cohort study; health personnel; mental health.