IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in tremendous physical and psychological pressure on healthcare professionals, especially on those working in intensive care units (ICUs) and Emergency Departments (EDs). The present study intended to characterize the profile of these professionals which is associated with burnout and determine the potential predictors of such condition.MethodsA Prospective cohort study was carried out in a tertiary hospital between March 2020 and March 2021, in Salvador, Brazil. A standardized and validated version of the Oldenburg Burnout inventory (OLBI) was applied to assess risk of burnout together with data forms designed to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics and religious beliefs. ICU and ED healthcare professionals were evaluated during off-hours at two distinct periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 and in 2021. Differences in the results obtained from each study participant between the timepoints were compared. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of burnout development independent of other confounding factors.ResultsSeventy-seven healthcare professionals with a median age of 33 (interquartile range [IQR]: 31–37.5) years and predominantly female (72.7%; n = 56) were enrolled. There were 62 professionals at risk of developing burnout through the OLBI. Those had a median age of 33 (IQR: 31–37) and female predominance (71%, n = 44). Disengagement and burnout were the only features which frequencies significantly changed over time, with increasing detection at the latest timepoint. Alcohol consumption was found to be an important risk factor for burnout development [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 10.8 (95% CI: 1.8–64.2)]. Importantly, working in the ICU [aOR: 0.04 (95%CI: 0.01–0.32)] and the habit of praying daily [aOR: 0.07 (95%CI: 0.01–0.41)] were characteristics linked to reduced odds of burnout.DiscussionDisengagement substantially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare professionals. Alcohol consumption favors the onset of burnout whereas habit of praying daily and working in the ICU are protective against such outcome. Institutional policies aimed at minimizing etilism may positively impact mental health of these professionals.

Tropical diseases pose a significant global health burden, particularly in developing countries. These diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths and they remain a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, particularly in socially vulnerable populations. The persistence of these diseases is often linked to issues such as overcrowding, lack of access to basic sanitation, inadequate health infrastructure, and uneven distribution of prevention and treatment measures despite considerable advances in these infections management. Even though the risk factors and pathogens involved may vary worldwide, in this article we will especially focus on three important groups of tropical diseases: diarrheal diseases, viral hepatitis, and arboviruses. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of the current state of research on these diseases including definitions, diagnoses, treatments, and prevention methods. We will also discuss the main grand challenges facing researchers and practitioners in this field, as well as outline potential strategies for addressing these challenges. By highlighting those topics, we hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to control and eliminate tropical diseases. In addition, this article summarizes the priorities that are considered for publication in the journal Frontiers in Tropical Diseases, Section Major Tropical Diseases. Diarrheal diseasesDiarrheal diseases affect an estimated two billion people worldwide and cause approximately 1.57 million deaths each year (1). These diseases disproportionately affect low-income countries or marginalized populations, particularly in African and Southeast Asian regions, with limited access to health care, safe water, and sanitation (2-4). They are Frontiers in Tropical Diseases frontiersin.org 01