Epidemiology of psychological distress: a population-based cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Felipe Sparrenberger Universidade Regional de Blumenau; Departamento de Medicina
  • Iná dos Santos Universidade Federal de Pelotas; Departamento de Medicina Social
  • Rosângela da Costa Lima Universidade Federal de Pelotas; Departamento de Medicina Social

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102003000400007

Keywords:

Stress^i2^spsychologi, Health surveys, Living conditions, Prevalence, Socioeconomic factors, Self concept

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and distribution of psychological distress in an urban adult population. METHODS: A total of 3,942 individuals over 20 years old in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, were studied. Psychological distress was defined using an indicator of well-being, the Faces Scale, and self-perception of nervousness. Chi-square test was performed to assess the association with sociodemographics. RESULTS: Prevalence of psychological distress was 14% when using the Faces Scale and 31.8% through self-perception of nervousness. CONCLUSIONS: Older, poor, and lower education women groups were the ones that showed a higher prevalence of distress.

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Published

2003-08-01

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 4 (2003)

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Sparrenberger, F., Santos, I. dos, & Lima, R. da C. (2003). Epidemiology of psychological distress: a population-based cross-sectional study . Revista De Saúde Pública, 37(4), 434-439. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102003000400007