[Prevalence of anxiety among health professionals in times of COVID-19: a systematic review with meta-analysis].
health professionals
systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in any language in 2020
men vs women, nurses vs physicians, front line vs non-front line workers, infected vs non-infected with coronavirus, chronic diseases vs no chronic diseases
prevalence of anxiety
Abstract
This study sets out to identify the prevalence of anxiety among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It involves a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in any language in 2020. A search was conducted in the Embase, LILACS and PubMed databases using the keywords anxiety, COVID-19, health workers, and synonyms. The estimated overall prevalence of anxiety with a 95% confidence interval was calculated using the random effects model. Of the 861 records identified, 36 articles were included in the systematic review and 35 in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of anxiety was 35% (95%CI: 29-40). A higher risk of anxiety was identified among women compared to men (Odds Ratio: 1.64 [95%CI: 1.47-1.84]), and in nurses, in comparison with physicians (Odds Ratio: 1.19 [95%CI: 1.07-1.33]). Being on the front line of COVID-19, being infected with coronavirus and having chronic diseases were also factors associated with a higher risk of anxiety. A high prevalence of anxiety among health professionals was observed, with higher risk among women and nurses. There is a pressing need for measures aimed at prevention of anxiety and providing early and appropriate treatment for those suffering from moderate and severe anxiety. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar a prevalência de ansiedade em profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Trata-se de revisão sistemática de estudos publicados em qualquer idioma em 2020. Foi realizada busca nas bases de dados Embase, LILACS e PubMed utilizando os descritores anxiety, COVID-19, health workers, e sinônimos. A estimativa da prevalência geral de ansiedade com intervalo de confiança de 95% foi calculada utilizando o modelo de efeitos aleatórios. Dos 861 registros identificados, 36 artigos foram incluídos na revisão sistemática e 35 na metanálise. A prevalência geral de ansiedade foi de 35% (IC95%: 29-40). Foi identificado maior risco de ansiedade nas mulheres em relação aos homens (Odds Ratio: 1.64 [IC95%: 1,47-1,84]), e nos enfermeiros, na comparação com médicos (Odds Ratio: 1.19 [IC95%: 1,07-1,33]). Atuar na linha de frente no combate a COVID-19, estar infectado com coronavírus e apresentar doenças crônicas também foram fatores associados com maior risco de ansiedade. Observa-se alta prevalência de ansiedade entre profissionais de saúde, com maior risco entre mulheres e enfermeiros. Há necessidade de medidas que visem sua prevenção, bem como o fornecimento de tratamento precoce e adequado aos com ansiedade moderada e grave.