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Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatría
Print version ISSN 0034-7450
Abstract
RESTREPO-MARTINEZ, Miguel; ESCOBAR, Marcela; MARIN, Luz Aida and RESTREPO, Diana. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Staff at a Health Institution in Medellin During the COVID-19 Pandemic. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2023, vol.52, n.1, pp.51-57. Epub May 25, 2023. ISSN 0034-7450. https://doi.org/10.10167j.rcp.2021.02.001.
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic has represented an extraordinary challenge for health workers as they care for others while exposing themselves to contagion. Doctors, nurses, therapists and other non-care staff in clinics and hospitals are asked to be prepared to work in particularly complex and stressful situations, which makes them vulnerable to mental health problems.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of anxiety and depression symptoms in staff working at a health institution in Medellin, Colombia.
Methods:
Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, based on a survey designed for the investigation, which included two scales to screen depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as sociodemographic variables.
Results:
A total of 1,247 workers from the health institution were included. Of these, 14.6% reported symptoms of depression and 18.5% of clinically significant anxiety. A higher proportion of moderate to severe depression and anxiety symptoms was found in those working face to face.
Conclusions:
Anxiety and depression symptoms are highly prevalent among staff at a health institution in Medellin, Colombia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the vital role of the health sector in times of pandemic, the development of mental health programmes that address the problems of this population should be considered a priority.
Keywords : Symptoms Depression Anxiety Health sector Health workers.