[Mental health strategies for self-care and coping in medical residents].

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders in medical residents are a growing issue, requiring awareness, prevention, and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of mental health tools on medical residents' knowledge of self-care and coping strategies.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was conducted among Obstetrics and Gynecology residents. Questionnaires on Knowledge of self-care and coping strategies, suicide prevention, alcohol use, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Test (AUDIT) were administered. The Field Test Version: mhGAP Community Toolkit: Mental Health Gap Action Programme was administered in 6 sessions, and a pre- and post-intervention assessment and a perception survey were also performed.

RESULTS

30 residents, 90% women, were included. In the post-intervention evaluation, the overall score on the Knowledge questionnaire increased: 84.61 (69.23-92.3) vs. 92.3 (82.68-94.22) (p = 0.002), mostly in the areas of relaxation techniques and life skills, lifestyle, and self-care, but not in alcohol prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a beneficial effect on the acquisition and maintenance of knowledge on self-care and coping strategies among medical residents using mental health tools.