Factors associated with anxiety and depression in university professors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated preexisting mental health conditions or triggered new psychological symptoms, even among individuals with no prior history. University professors were particularly affected by new professional demands, facing significant challenges within the
academic context.
Objective: To analyze factors associated with sympt oms of anxiety and depression among university professors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 607 faculty members from public higher education institutions in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, professional, work-related organizational variables, and mental health symptoms were assessed through an
online questionnaire. Bivariate analysis used the Chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported anxiety symptoms was 83.2%, and of self-reported depression symptoms, 61.5%. Factors associated with both outcomes included working in the Biological Sciences field, stress, anger, and the perception that work negatively impacted mental health. Anxiety was associated with female gender, working in Exact and Earth Sciences, dissatisfaction with colleagues, and symptoms of mania. Depression was associated with working in Applied Social Sciences, dissatisfaction with students, lack of professional engagement, somatic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and impaired personality functioning. Being aged 50 to 59 years was identified as a protective factor.
Conclusion: High prevalence rates of mental distress were observed among university professors, associated with work conditions and interpersonal relationships during the pandemic context.
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