SAÚDE MENTAL DE AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE NO CONTEXTO DA PANDEMIA, EM CAMPO GRANDE-MS

Abstract

The working conditions of healthcare professionals can negatively impact their mental health, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic among those on the front line. In order to identify the occurrence of mental disorders, specifically symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in Community Health Agents (ACS), as well as satisfaction with the care provided by the Psychosocial Care Network in the context of the pandemic, an analytical study was conducted with primary data from Community Health Agents in the municipality of Campo Grande, from March 2022 to July 2024. The sample was convenience-based, with ACS who agreed to participate responding to a socioeconomic questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale DASS 21. The majority (77.2%) of ACS reported symptoms of one or more mental health problems, even before the pandemic, with anxiety being the most prevalent. During the pandemic, 87.1% reported seeking healthcare services due to emotional symptoms, suggesting an exacerbation of emotional distress. According to the DASS 21, 73% exhibited symptoms of common mental disorders. Symptoms of depression were reported by over a third of the sample, with 67.7% of those experiencing symptoms ranging from moderate to extremely severe. Women were 4.24 times more likely to experience anxiety compared to men, while ACS with longer tenure (20 - 30 years) were 4.2 times more likely to experience stress. Anxiety, depression, and stress levels were positively related, with the relationship between depression and anxiety being the strongest. Among those who sought emotional symptom-related care during the pandemic, 70% utilized the Unified Health System (SUS) and rated the care received as "Good". Over a third of ACS were users of Complementary Integrative Practices (PICs), particularly those from the public network, with auriculotherapy being the most commonly utilized practice. During the pandemic, 89% of Community Health Agents reported not having access to any preventive measures regarding mental health. The study highlights the vulnerability to mental health issues among ACS in Campo Grande in the context of the pandemic, especially among women and those with longer tenure. The data points to the need for the implementation of welcoming strategies and early interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems among these workers, particularly in the post-pandemic period, aiming to strengthen the Family Health Strategy by seeking to create viable alternatives for the care of ACS' mental health.