Dados do Resumo

Título

Psychological Capital, Anxiety, and Depression in Health Students and Professionals: A Prospective Analysis.

Introdução

Professional practice in healthcare has changed in recent decades with scientific and technological advancements. Students and residents face stressful environments, leading to frustrations and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Psychological capital emerges as an important mediating factor in this context, supporting well-being and academic performance. Understanding the profile of professionals in training is crucial to identifying opportunities for effective interventions to care for those being trained to care for others.

Objetivo

To describe habits and customs and to asses psychological capital, anxiety, and depression levels among health professionals in training and to compare psychological capital and anxiety and depression levels according to the stage and type of training of these professionals.

Métodos

An observational, cross-sectional, analytical and quantitative study was conducted at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and the Garanhuns School of Medicine, Pernambuco. Medical e non- medical residents and medical students were included, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample obtained. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) were used. Data collection was conducted online between 02/14 and 04/12/2024, and the data were organized in Excel spreadsheets. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests.

Resultados

Of the 62 participants, 62.9% were women, 35.5% were between 20 and 25 years old, 59.7% had never married, and 64.5% self-identified as white. The most common specialties were Oncology, Radiology, and Oncologic Surgery. The majority were students (38), while 24 were residents, with a predominance of first-year residents. Only 6.5% used drugs, and few participated in volunteer work. About 65% had symptoms of anxiety (25.8% mild, 22.6% moderate, 16.1% severe), while over 50% did not present significant symptoms of depression; 19.4% had mild symptoms, 14.5% moderate, and 6.5% severe. The results of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire reveal concerns about the perception of security and confidence in work activities. Although many participants demonstrated a positive attitude, there was significant uncertainty, especially regarding long-term problem-solving and participation in strategic discussions. Full confidence in professional skills was low, with few feeling secure in facing challenges, and many reporting difficulties in recovering from setbacks and working independently.

Conclusões

This study, pioneering in its use of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire among medical students and residents, reveals significant findings about mental health in the educational environment. Despite limitations such as the small sample size and the use of instruments not validated nationally, the results highlight the need for mental health support for these professionals. Anxiety and depression are prevalent, underscoring the importance of interventions and strategies to promote the mental health of health professionals in training.

Palavras Chave

Education Medical; Interniship and Residency; Mental Health