Anxiety and Depression Levels among Resident Pediatricians

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression among professionals enrolled in a Pediatric Residency Program of an educational institution in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study with all, registered residents at a pediatric residency program. The data were collected between the months of November 2013 and February 2014, using three instruments: an instrument drawn up by the authors, containing demographic data; the Beck anxiety Scale or Beck anxiety inventory and the Beck Depression scale or Beck Depression inventory. Depression anxiety levels were evaluated by a psychologist, according to data produced by the instruments and categorized in to four levels: absence of depression/anxiety, mild depression/anxiety, moderate depression/anxiety and severe depression/anxiety. Results: The study was based on a sample of 36 medical residents. There was a predominance of females (91.4%), with a median age of 28 years (minimum: 25; maximum: 34), single (86.11%), with a household income of 10 minimum monthly wages or more (47.1%), a working day of 12 hours or more (55.6%), not regularly engaged in physical activity (55.5%) and leisure (44.2%), with another job (71.4%) satisfied with their job (88.9%) and having thought about quitting the program (52.8%). Anxiety was present in 50.0% and depression in 44.4%. Statistical associations were found between anxiety and the age group (p < 0.005) and with a desire to give up the program (p = 0.038); and between depression and age group (p = 0.001), practice of physical activity (p = 0.016), leisure activities (p = 0.012) and a desire to give up the program (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The levels of anxiety and depression were higher than those observed in other programs, with associations observed between these disorders and age, lack of physical activity and leisure, highlighting the need for greater attention and professional support, and the implementation of control measures for stressor factors among the resident pediatricians, and of strategies to promote the physical and mental well-being of these professionals.