Risk Factors and Protection Associated with Well-Being and Psychological Distress of Veterinarians in Brazil

Veterinary professionals are exposed to intense emotional and occupational demands, which compromise their mental health. This nationwide cross-sectional study surveyed 1,992 Brazilian veterinarians to assess their psychological distress, well-being, and coping strategies. Logistic regression identified that women, early career professionals, and individuals with low income were more likely to experience psychological distress. Longer working hours and dissatisfaction with the profession have emerged as significant risk factors. In contrast, adaptive coping behaviors, such as spending time with the family, sleeping at least eight hours per night, and engaging in leisure activities, were associated with better mental health outcomes. Institutional wellness programs tailored to the veterinary field should consider integrating strategies to mitigate stress and promote resilience. Although the study’s cross-sectional design limits causal inference, the large sample size and validated measures offered robust insights. Future research should include longitudinal and interventional approaches to refine the strategies that support veterinarians’ mental well-being.