Prevalência de depressão e ansiedade em indivíduos acometidos por Covid 19

Abstract

Introduction: Large-scale traumatic events produce secondary consequences to the event itself, which can result in the physical and mental health of affected individuals. We are currently experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, promoted by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with many people affected and, consequently, many deaths associated with the disease. In addition, preventive measures, such as sociais isolation, may favor the worsening of changes in mental health. In this way, knowing the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of individuals affected by the disease can contribute to a better understanding of this relationship. Objective: To estimate the mental health condition of cured patients participating in the Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program in a medium-sized city in the interior of São Paulo. Methodology: Primary, cross-sectional and prospective study, in which 88 patients participated, evaluated in a Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program in a medium-sized city in the interior of São Paulo, carried out from October 2021 to April 2022. Participants responded a sociodemographic questionnaire and three structured instruments: 1) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); 2) Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI); 3) Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSI). Results: Among the participants, 67.4% were women, mostly between 31 and 50 years old. The BDI evaluation showed that 34.09% of the participants had mild to moderate depression. The BAI assessment showed that 71.59% of the participants had mild to severe anxiety. The BSI assessment showed that six (6.82%) participants had severe suicidal ideation. Depression showed a moderate positive correlation (rho:0.6638; p<0.0001) with anxiety and a weak positive correlation (rho:0.2490; p=0.0193) with age. Conclusion: Individuals affected by COVID-19 have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety, as well as the risk of suicidal ideation, demonstrating the importance of a Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program, suggesting that future welcoming and support actions are necessary in order to to minimize the effects of the pandemic on the mental health.