Screening for mental disorders in health workers

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health is presented as an essential element in work capacity and productivity, and, similarly, psychosocial risks at work can generate detrimental effects on mental health. 
Methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study, with stratified probabilistic sampling. Sample of 299 health workers. For data collection, the instrument for detecting anxiety, depression and panic disorders, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4+PHQ-TP), was used; and for the analysis the statistical program SPSS version 27.
Results: It is shown that 59.5% of the participants are women, 76.3% work in the morning shift, and 51.8% are single. With 66.9% the nursing job category predominates, 76.6% have an academic level greater than a bachelor's degree. A quarter of them work two jobs and suffer from chronic illnesses. 25.8% have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and/or panic, predominating in the morning shift and in the female gender. Most are assigned to emergency services. The risk of panic predominates at 39.5% and 53.4% correspond to nursing staff. Cases of anxiety and depression occur in 47.8% and 55.7% respectively in resident doctors.  
Conclusion: The study shows a high prevalence of mental disorders in health workers in Culiacán, Sinaloa, with significant differences depending on the shift and job category. These findings are consistent with international literature, highlighting the urgent need to implement psychological support programs and improve working conditions.