Anxiety and depression in nursing professionals of a maternity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and their related factors among nursing professionals in a maternity hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out with 189 nursing professionals from a reference maternity hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará. Data collection took place over three months, from August to October 2020, using the Sociodemographic and Clinical Form and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Factors related to depression or anxiety were determined by bivariate analysis using the chi-square (nominal) and Wilcoxon (numerical) tests, with a significance of p<0.05. Results The prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms was estimated in 58.3% and 29.6% of the participants, respectively. About 53.5% were removed due to suspected COVID-19 and 58% were infected with the virus. It was observed that professionals who worked in the emergency, obstetric clinic and maternal Intensive Care Unit were the most exposed to the risk of having depression (p=0.01055). Conclusion and implications for practice High prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among participants, regardless of whether they are on the front lines of the pandemic or not. The situation requires meeting the demands of mental health.