Depression, anxiety and stress in primary health care settings

Abstract

Context: The study is carried out under the project “Anxiety and Stress in Primary Health Care” within the research line “Well-being, Health and Ilness” Coimbra School of Nursing Research Unit. Aim: To describe levels of depression, anxiety and stress of users of an urban/rural health centre, and to analyse differences in gender and the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress and age. Method: Descriptive analytic study using a Portuguese version of the DASS-21 with a consecutive sample (n=441). Results: 40% to 50% of individuals present some degree of affective-emotional disturbance (depression, anxiety or stress). Severe or very severe levels of anxiety and stress were found in more than 17% of individuals and severe or extremely severe levels of depression in 12%. Women present higher mean levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Depression, anxiety and stress are strongly and positively associated. Individuals over 65 years present higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusion: On the basis of the results, a local individual and community intervention should be developed for the promotion of mental health and prevention of disease, particularly with regard to women and older individuals.