DIAGNOSIS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG TEACHERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic among teachers and to identify the associated factors. Epidemiological websurvey, carried out in 2020, with teachers of public basic education in Minas Gerais/Brazil, using a digital form. The dependent variables analyzed were self-reported formal diagnoses of anxiety and depression during the pandemic. For data analysis, Binary Logistic Regression was used. The study involved 15,641 teachers. 25% reported a diagnosis of anxiety during the pandemic and 8.6% a medical diagnosis of depression. There was a significantly higher chance of an anxiety diagnosis among women, teachers dissatisfied with their work, who were part of the COVID-19 risk group, with a family member/friend who died from COVID-19, who presented severe fear of COVID-19, with sleep problems, who were smokers and among those who were overweight/obese. There was a significantly higher chance of depression among women, who worked 40 or more hours a week, who had a lot of difficulty with remote work, who were dissatisfied with work, who were part of the COVID-19 risk group, with a family member/friend who died due to COVID-19, with severe fear of COVID-19, with sleep problems, among smokers, those who have increased alcohol consumption, with a less healthy dietary pattern and among those with obesity. A relevant prevalence of anxiety and depression was observed among teachers during the pandemic. Changes caused by the pandemic in the work, routine and health of teachers contributed to increased rates of mental health problems.