Mental health burden among multiprofessional health residents: a cross-sectional study at a major academic center in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as associated factors, among residents enrolled in multiprofessional residency programs at a major academic medical center in Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted with 106 residents from diverse health professions at the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). Participants completed validated instruments assessing depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), religiosity (DUREL), and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of psychological distress was observed, with 88.7% of participants presenting moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 46.9% reporting clinically significant anxiety. Lower quality of life scores, particularly in the psychological domain, were strongly correlated with symptom severity. No religiosity dimensions were associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Prior psychiatric medication use, higher BMI, and self-identification as white were also associated with increased symptom burden.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the substantial mental health challenges faced by multiprofessional residents and highlight the need for institutional policies that promote psychological well-being, improve access to care, and address structural stressors in postgraduate training environments.