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

TL;DR

This study explores how childhood adversities are linked to suicidal thoughts among healthcare workers in Lebanon amid overlapping national crises.

Contribution

It is one of the first global studies to examine childhood adversities and suicidality among healthcare workers during overlapping crises.

Findings

Childhood emotional neglect and depression significantly predicted recent suicidality.

PTSD from childhood trauma and loved ones' illness was linked to lifetime suicidality.

Contrary to expectations, recent crises like COVID-19 and financial issues were not significant predictors.

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) face heightened suicide risk due to occupational stressors and other proximal and distal factors. To our knowledge, this study is the first study in Lebanon and among the first globally to examine the association between childhood adversities and suicidality among HCWs within overlapping national crises.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study among 390 HCWs in Lebanon. Using an online survey, data included sociodemographics, Beirut port blast, adulthood trauma, economic collapse, COVID-19, network/support, childhood adversities, mental health (PHQ-9/PCL-5), substance use, prior health and suicidality. Analyses in Stata used bivariate and stepwise logistic regressions to determine parsimonious predictors of suicidality in past-two-week and lifetime suicidality.

Childhood emotional neglect and depression emerged significantly predicted suicidality in the past-two-weeks. Younger age, PTSD due to childhood trauma, PTSD related to a loved one’s illness and depression were significantly associated with lifetime suicidality. Contrary to previous findings, COVID-19 stressors and financial difficulties were not retained in the final model.

HCWs suicidality is associated with early-life adversities and trauma. Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions.

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