Prevalência de sintomas de depressão em trabalhadores das estratégia saúde da família de um município do norte do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Depression is a frequent disorder among health professionals. In this context, the analysis of the mental health of professionals who deal daily with Primary Health Care patients of the Unified Health System is of paramount importance, as they face several challenges on a daily basis, and their mental health directly reflects in the way these professionals will treat patients. Objective: To describe sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle habits, previous and family history of depression, in addition to verifying the prevalence of depression among workers in the Family Health Strategy units in the municipality of a small municipality in the north of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional study, carried out from August to December 2020. The study population consists of all employees of the 12 units of the Family Health Strategy in the municipality. The data collection consisted of the application of a questionnaire with sociodemographic and labor aspects, lifestyle and history of previous and family depression, and, later, the Hamilton scale of depression. Results: 99 employees were interviewed. The average age was 39.2 ± 10.0 years, predominantly female, with complete high school education, married or with a partner, with children, with an average family income of 5.75 ± 4.32 minimum wages. As for labor aspects, the majority were Community Health Agents, working in Primary Care Units between 6 months to 5 years, up to 40 hours a week and with no other paid activity. Most employees practiced physical activity regularly and had no previous diagnosis of depression, but had a family history of depression and used or had used antidepressant medications. In addition, 31% of employees had a depression score (95% CI 22-41); and practicing physical activity showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.023) in the prevalence of depression. Conclusion: The present study characterized the population of workers in the Family Health Strategy Units in the municipality and demonstrated a high prevalence of depression among these workers. In addition, it showed a decrease in the prevalence of depression in the group that regularly practices physical activity. Thus, it is suggested that measures be taken to prevent and promote the mental health of these workers.