CORRELATION BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS WITH LIFE SKILLS IN HEALTH WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction: Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety can cause damage to social, personal and work life. In view of this situation, research aimed at reducing its impact and the development of skills that contribute to the prevention of these problems  are essential.Objective: to identify and describe symptoms of depression and anxiety and correlate them with life skills in health workers. Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a survey design and correlation of variables. Participants were 36 health professionals from a high-complexity hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, who agreed to respond to the evaluation protocol. The following instruments were used: 1) Protocol with sociodemographic information and health/disease conditions; 2) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS; 3) Life Skills Scale developed by the researchers. The data were tabulated in Excel spreadsheets, presented in tables for descriptive analysis and association between the variables by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. The level of significance adopted was 0.05. Results: the sample consisted of individuals aged between 30 and 57 years, predominantly female (n-34; 94.4%), married (27 = 75%), most of whom were nursing professionals (n-16 = 66.7%). Some of the evaluated indicated some health problem and used medication (n-16; 44.4%); practicing leisure activities (n-11; 30.6%); presence of support or support was indicated by most respondents (n-35; 97.2%). Significant symptoms of anxiety were observed in (n-24 = 66.7%) and depression in (n-20 = 55.6%). The sample demonstrated impairments in life skills, and most of these established a negative correlation with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Participants had significant symptoms of depression and anxiety and impairments in life skills, which requires further research to investigate the relationship between these variables.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.042-010