Suicidality Among Healthcare Workers in Lebanon: Associations With Childhood Adversities Amid Recent Overlapping...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of suicide due to occupational stressors and other factors.
• Lebanon faces overlapping national crises, potentially exacerbating HCW mental health challenges.
• Childhood adversities are recognized risk factors for mental health issues, but their specific impact on HCW suicidality in crisis settings is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between childhood adversities and suicidality among HCWs in Lebanon.
• To identify predictors of past-two-week and lifetime suicidality in this population.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions for HCW mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis of 390 HCWs in Lebanon was conducted using an online survey.
• Data collected included sociodemographics, exposure to crises (Beirut port blast, economic collapse, COVID-19), childhood adversities, mental health status (PHQ-9/PCL-5), and suicidality.
• Bivariate and stepwise logistic regressions were used to identify significant predictors of suicidality.

Main Results:

• Childhood emotional neglect and depression were significant predictors of past-two-week suicidality.
• Younger age, PTSD from childhood trauma, PTSD related to a loved one's illness, and depression were associated with lifetime suicidality.
• COVID-19 stressors and financial difficulties were not retained as significant predictors in the final models.

Conclusions:

• Suicidality among HCWs is linked to early-life adversities and trauma.
• The findings highlight the critical need for mental health interventions tailored to the experiences of HCWs.
• Addressing childhood adversities and associated mental health conditions is crucial for supporting HCW well-being.