Mental health issues can directly impact the performance, satisfaction, and retention of workers, especially in sectors with high emotional demands, such as public education. This longitudinal study analyzed data from employees of the Federal Network of Public Education in Brazil from 2022 and 2023, aiming to analyze symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and their relationship with sociodemographic characteristics. The sample consisted of 600 employees who participated in both years and responded to the DASS-21 questionnaire, adopting as the outcome criterion the classification of scores above the median of the evaluated symptoms. Relative Risk was calculated, along with adjusted analyses using the Poisson regression model with robust variance. In addition, paired t-tests were performed to assess within-subject changes in depression, anxiety, and stress levels over time. The results revealed that women had a significantly higher risk for mental health symptoms, especially for anxiety (adjusted RR=1.28; p<0.05), followed by depression (adjusted RR=1.18; p<0.05) and stress (adjusted RR=1.14; p<0.05). Employees under 30 years old showed a higher risk of anxiety (RR=1.62; p<0.05). Although anxiety and stress levels remained stable during the period, a statistically significant increase was observed in depression levels (p<0.05), indicating a specific worsening of this symptom over time. These findings point to the existence of structural gender- and generation-related inequalities in the institutional environment, which enhance psychosocial risks at work. Strengthening institutional policies to promote mental health, focusing on actions sensitive to gender issues and generational demands, emerges as a fundamental strategy to face this scenario.

Authors:
Matias Noll, Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Brazil
Isabela Fernanda Rodrigues de Oliveira, Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Brazil
Priscilla Rayanne e Silva, Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Brazil
Suelen Marçal Nogueira, Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Brazil

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Matias Noll is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Ceres Campus, Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Brazil. in Brazil

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matias-Noll

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