Post-traumatic stress disorder among workers in Brazil: a narrative review

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to traumatic events such as wars, natural disasters, or workplace violence. This study aims to conduct a review of the prevalence and contributing factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among Brazilian workers. A literature search was performed in the PubMed and SciELO databases between February and June 2023. The search focused on quantitative studies addressing post-traumatic stress disorder in Brazilian workers, using terms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, occupational exposure, and health aspects. Only studies involving Brazilian residents with post-traumatic stress disorder as an outcome were included, while reviews, case reports, and qualitative studies were excluded. Of the 12 studies initially identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Firefighters had the highest prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, ranging from 6.9% to 37.9%, followed by health care workers - especially nurses - and military police officers, who also showed considerable rates. Work-related factors associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder included lower occupational ranks or higher job demands, long working hours, repeated exposure to traumatic events, lack of personal protective equipment, and exposure to hazardous materials. The study identified common occupational risk factors across various professions that contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving working conditions and strengthening mental health support for workers.