Introduction: The purpose of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs) among Brazilian civil aviation flight attendants and to investigate associations between CMDs and sociodemographic and work-related variables.

Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted between October 2009-October 2010 using a self-reporting questionnaire about sociodemographic and work-related data and a screening instrument for the detection of psychiatric morbidity.

Results: A total of 453 flight attendants were evaluated. The prevalence of CMDs was found to be 29.8% (N = 135/453; 95% CI 25.7-34.10%). Female flight attendants presented higher prevalence (36.0%) than male flight attendants (19.7%). The prevalence among individuals who had completed their training more than 5 yr earlier was 35.7% versus 19.2% among those who had qualified less than 5 yr earlier. In the final adjusted model, only the following variables maintained a statistically significant association: sex (OR 2.83); regular physical activity practice (OR 1.68); time since completion of training (OR 2.56); involvement with religious belief (OR 1.66); and type of flight route (OR 1.71).

Discussion: Flight attendants are subjected to stressful situations determined both by specific occupational risks and by the form of work organization. Studies with civil aviation pilots found lower values for CMD prevalence (6.7%). This shows that although both categories are classified as aircrew members and share various similarities of occupational risks, they are also, at the same time, profoundly different regarding their professional profiles.