Abstract

The health emergency caused by COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of the population in general and especially health personnel. This study is based on a survey of health personnel in five countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay). The sample consisted of 9,820 participants, with 79.6% women. Multiple logistic regression models were built for men and women in each country, identifying the factors that were associated with the deterioration of their mental health. Women reported a greater deterioration in their mental health and a different profile of factors associated with this. These findings are related to traditional gender roles, where women have a greater weight in caring for others and value relational aspects over personal ones, unlike men who give more importance to the public sphere and self-care. The importance of including the gender approach in the design of policies for health personnel, especially in the care of their mental health, is highlighted.