Transtornos mentais comuns e uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos entre professores da rede estadual de ensino do Espírito Santo
Nenhuma Miniatura disponível
Data
2025-04-01
Autores
Mazzini, Yohan Cancilheri
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Editor
Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo
Resumo
Introduction: Common mental disorders and the use of psychotropic medications among teachers have become an issue of growing global concern. However, in Brazil, there is a lack of probabilistic studies with representative samples investigating the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the use of psychotropic drugs in this specific population, limiting the understanding of the true magnitude of the problem. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorder symptoms and psychotropic medication use among public school teachers in Espírito Santo. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted with teachers from schools linked to the Carnapian Regional Education Superintendency (SER-Carapina). Teachers who were assigned to non-teaching roles were excluded. Cluster sampling was carried out, considering each school as a primary sampling unit. Data collection was conducted in person between January and February 2024, during the Pedagogical Planning Sessions in the randomly selected schools. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied, including questions on sociodemographic data, previous diagnosis of mental disorders, screening scales for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and burnout symptoms, as well as the profile of psychotropic medication use. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Poisson regression with robust variance, and binary logistic regression. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 70203023.4.0000.5060). Results: A total of 453 teachers participated in the study. A previous diagnosis of anxiety and depression disorders was reported by 29.6% (n=134) and 14.8% (n=67) of teachers, respectively. Moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed in 32.7% (n=148) and 34.4% (n=156) of teachers. Additionally, 11.3% (n=51) presented suicidal or self-harm ideation with some frequency. Poisson regression indicated that being a woman, having another job besides teaching, and having clinical insomnia and burnout increased the prevalence ratio of anxiety symptoms, while being a woman, having clinical insomnia, and burnout increased the prevalence ratio of depression symptoms. The use of psychotropic medications was reported by 20.0% (n=90) of teachers, with the specific use of antidepressants observed in 16.9% (n=76). Most teachers began using these medications after 2020, with prescriptions primarily issued by psychiatrists. Poisson regression showed that being a woman, having clinical insomnia, and experiencing severe anxiety symptoms increased the prevalence ratio of psychotropic and antidepressant use. The use of benzodiazepines was reported by 6.8% (n=31) of teachers. Among users, 42.5% (n=14) had been using these medications for 2 to 5 years, and 39.4% (n=13) reported benzodiazepine use without an associated antidepressant. Binary logistic regression showed that severe anxiety symptoms and clinical insomnia increased the likelihood of benzodiazepine use, while having a partner reduced these chances. Conclusion: Teachers in Espírito Santo exhibited higher prevalence rates of common mental disorders compared to national and global population averages. The use of psychotropic medications, particularly antidepressants and benzodiazepines, was also higher than in other populations, highlighting the need for public policies aimed at workers’ health. These data highlight the need to implement multidimensional strategies that integrate individual actions, institutional support that includes modifying stressors, and robust public policies aimed at preventing mental illness and promoting the health of teachers.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Transtornos mentais , Psicotrópicos , Epidemiologia