Relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic, binge eating, and mental suffering in health professionals in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: The high levels of anxiety, stress, and depression produced by the global Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic could trigger eating disorders. Health professionals are more exposed to these changes due to their work environment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of binge eating disorder and psychiatric disorders in Brazilian health professionals. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study interviewed 219 Brazilian health professionals between June and October 2020 using an online questionnaire. The 7-Item Binge Eating Disorder Screener was used to diagnose binge eating disorder. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire was used to assess psychiatric disorders. The statistical analysis included calculation of absolute frequency, relative frequency, mean and standard deviation. Contingency coefficient C was used to determine the association between the variables. RESULTS: A total of 35 (16%) participants reported symptoms related to binge eating disorder, while 131 (59.8%) reported psychiatric symptoms. There was an association between binge eating disorder, psychiatric disorders, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the onset of psychiatric disorders and binge eating disorders in these professionals and that elevated body mass index is directly associated with these disorders.