LEVELS OF ANXIETY AMONG PROFESSIONALS IN THE PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE NETWORK OF PATOS – PB

Abstract

Anxiety, always present in the evolutionary process of human civilization, is a warning sign that enables a person to deal with threats. Within mental disorders, anxiety disorders are the most common and cause considerable functional impairment, constituting one of the main causes of global disability. This study aims to focus on the analysis of the proportion of professionals from the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) in Patos-PB who present levels of anxiety, identify triggering factors and suggest strategies to combat the diseases. A quali-quantitative cross-sectional research was carried out with 39 health professionals from the RAPS in Patos-PB, using questionnaires on social profile and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). Health professionals with higher education were included, excluding those with previous anxiety disorder or from itinerant teams and NASF. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, with relative and absolute frequency tests, descriptive tests, Pearson's chi-square, Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation. The sample of 39 professionals, mostly female, single, with postgraduate degrees and specialization, revealed that 69.2% of the participants reported anxious symptoms. The most common coping strategies included physical exercise, deep breathing, and psychotherapy. Symptoms such as agitation, irritability, worry, insomnia, palpitations, and pain were prevalent. About 82.1% of the participants associated work with the anxious state, and 66.7% stated that they did not have team support or coordination to deal with stress and anxiety in the workplace. In addition, 15.4% had moderate anxiety and 10.3% had intense anxiety. This study reinforces the need for public policies aimed at the mental health of RAPS professionals, promoting a harmonious work environment that can provide qualified and healthy care.