Risk factors for common mental disorders in health care workers in the city of Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais.

INTRODUCTION

The increased prevalence of mental health symptoms in primary care workers in recent years is a major cause of concern, and highlights the need to identify modifiable risk factors for mental health disorders in this population.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors in primary care workers in the city of Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study involving 203 workers in different sectors of primary health care. Participants completed the Self-Report Questionnaire (20 item version), the Job Stress Scale (JSS), and a form with questions regarding sociodemographic factors, occupational characteristics, lifestyle and habits.

RESULTS

The prevalence of common mental disorders in the sample was 20.2%. These disorders were significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with younger age, poor self-assessed health, poor sleep quality and physically demanding work.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor working conditions may directly and indirectly affect the occurrence of mental health disorders by influencing lifestyle and habits. The restructuring of organizational norms, together with worker support policies, may positively contribute to the mental health of workers.