Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression after COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression in patients recovering from COVID-19.

METHOD: a cross-sectional study conducted with 381 patients four months after SARS-COV-2 infection. Sociodemographic and clinical-epidemiological data were collected, as well as information about the incidence of stressful events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, by means of a questionnaire and by applying the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Descriptive and inferential analyses with binary logistic regression were performed to identify the associated factors.

RESULTS

the prevalence of possible and probable anxiety and depression was 46.45% and 22.31%, respectively. Fear of contracting COVID-19 again, previous history of mental disorders and family history of chronic diseases were associated with higher chances of anxiety and depression. Family incomes of up to one minimum wage and presence of comorbidities were associated with depression; in turn, having a job proved to be a protective factor in the case of anxiety.

CONCLUSION

high prevalence of anxiety and depression was observed in the post-COVID-19 period, associated with psychosocial, clinical and socioeconomic factors and evidencing the need for screening and mental health care strategies targeted at this population group.