Report of sadness / depression, nervousness / anxiety and sleep problems in the Brazilian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the frequency of sadness, nervousness, and sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, identifying the most affected demographic segments. Methods. It is a cross-sectional study, with a questionnaire applied via the web to adults and the elderly, collecting information on living conditions, health and health behaviors. Prevalence and prevalence ratios were adjusted for age and sex. Results. With data from 45,161 respondents, it was found that during the pandemic 40.4% (95%CI 41,4; 46,7) of Brazilians often felt sad or depressed and 52.6% (95%CI 51,2; 54,1) often anxious or nervous; 43.5% (95%CI 41,8; 45,3) started to have a sleep problem and 48.0% (95%CI 45,6; 50,5) had a previous sleep problem aggravated. The frequencies of sadness, nervousness and change in sleep were higher in young adults, women and those with a history of depression. Conclusion. The high prevalence found indicates the need to guarantee the provision of services for mental health and quality of sleep that are adapted to the pandemic context.