Depressive symptoms among staff at a public higher education institution in northern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among staff at a public higher education institution in Northern Brazil, identifying possible associations with sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study, part of the project “Interface between Mental Health and Sociodemographic Determinants in a Higher Education Institution in the Amazon Region.” The sample consisted of 270 staff members (faculty and administrative staff). A sociodemographic questionnaire and DASS-21 were used to measure depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using Stata 13 with statistical tests and a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The majority were female (55.64%), of mixed race (55.47%), and aged between 30–39 years (41.35%). Regarding symptoms, 61.65% were classified as normal and 38.35% had some degree of symptomatology (15.41% mild, 9.77% moderate, 5.64% severe, and 7.52% extremely severe). Faculty members showed higher prevalence in the most severe categories (65.38% moderate and 65% extremely severe). Significant associations were found between severity and previous medical diagnosis (p<0.001), medication use (p=0.001), and current therapy (p=0.002). Conclusions: The results indicate a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, especially among faculty, with significant association with prior clinical history and ongoing treatment.