Anxiety and depression in face-to-face and telehealth care during the Covid-19 pandemic: a comparative study

Abstract This study aimed to compare anxiety and depression scores in health professionals in telehealth and/or face-to-face care at a Brazilian university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression. For this, an observational and cross-sectional study was carried out. Participants responded to the “Patient Health Questionnaire-9” and “General Anxiety Disorder-7” and a sociodemographic questionnaire and divided into three groups: telehealth professionals (G1), face-to-face care (G2) and professionals who work in both ways (G3). 159 health professionals participated, 36 men, 123 women, the majority of whom were nurses and the average age was 42 years. G2 participants had higher anxiety and depression scores when compared to the others. However, there were no statistically significant differences and associations between these groups (p> 0.05). “Age”, “profession” and “being diagnosed with COVID-19” had statistical associations with anxiety and depression. It was concluded that there was no significant difference between anxiety and depression between health professionals who work by telehealth and/or face-to-face, as well as there were no associations between protocols and groups. Age, profession and being diagnosed with COVID-19 can interfere with these scores.