Avaliação de ansiedade e depressão em pacientes com síndrome pós-covid: um estudo no sertão paraibano

Abstract

Introduction: The global emergence of COVID-19 in 2019 affected rural areas of Brazil, with cities like Teixeira and Matureia in Paraíba recording high mortality and morbidity rates, with significant social impacts. The persistence of symptoms after recovery, known as "long COVID," raises concerns due to its poorly understood physical and cognitive effects. Investigating the role of post-COVID syndrome in the development of mental health issues is crucial, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare services. Objective: To evaluate the impact of post-COVID syndrome on the mental health of patients with a history of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in Teixeira-PB and Matureia-PB, between January 2020 and March 2024, by identifying anxiety and depression in these patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study, in which data were collected from patients with a previous diagnosis of COVID-19. A standardized questionnaire was applied with demographic and socioeconomic variables, along with the HAD scale composed of two subscales for anxiety and depression, each with seven items. The global score on each subscale ranges from 0 to 21. The frequencies of the variables and the prevalence of post-COVID syndrome, anxiety, and depression among individuals with post-COVID syndrome were calculated. The relationship between the variables was evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Results: A total of 201 patients with respiratory symptoms were interviewed, of which 62 had a history of previous COVID-19. Among them, 23 were identified as having post-COVID syndrome according to the recommended definition, representing 37.1% of patients with a history of COVID-19. Of these, 18 were female (78.3%), with an average age of 44.8 years. 21.7% of patients had probable depression, and 43.5% had probable anxiety. A positive correlation was found between anxiety and depression scores. No correlation was observed between depression and anxiety scores and the patients' age and education level. Discussion: In patients with post-COVID syndrome, the prevalence of depression and anxiety was above the general population average. A significant correlation between anxiety and depression was found, though the correlation with age and education was weak. Conclusion: This study observed a higher prevalence of anxiety than in the general population. No correlation was found between anxiety and depression scores and age or education level.