Abstract

SEPULVEDA-VILDOSOLA, Ana Carolina; ROMERO-GUERRA, Ana Laura  and  JARAMILLO-VILLANUEVA, Leonel. Coping strategies and their relation with depression and anxiety in pediatric residents in a third level pediatric hospital. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2012, vol.69, n.5, pp.347-354. ISSN 1665-1146.

Background. Depression and anxiety are common among medical residents. Coping strategies are cognitive and conductual efforts in order to manage stress and specific individual demands. The use of active strategies has been associated with a lower frequency of anxiety and depression. Our objective was to determine if there is an association between depression and anxiety and the coping strategies used by medical residents. Methods. Previous consent, Beck anxiety and depression inventory and coping strategies inventory were completed. Data were analyzed using χ² test. Results. A total of 112 residents were included. Depressive symptoms were identified in 39.6% and anxiety in 25.6%, with coexistence of both symptoms in 21.4%. Anxiety was associated with the type and year of residence. Two of the passive subscales of coping strategies were associated with depression and three with anxiety. Conclusions. Depressive and anxiety symptoms are frequent among medical residents. Mixed coping strategies are most commonly used. Passive coping strategies are associated with depression and anxiety.

Keywords : depression; anxiety; medical residents; coping strategies.