Telenursing in mental health: effect on anxiety symptoms and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic

Author(s)

de Vargas, Divane ; Leon Ramirez, Erika Gisseth ; Pereira, Caroline Figueira ; de Oliveira, Sheila Ramos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA LATINO-AMERICANA DE ENFERMAGEM; v. 31, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-01.

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the effect of a remote intervention on anxiety symptoms and alcohol use in users of the Primary Health Care service. Method: a quasi-experimental study conducted with 1,270 participants who answered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6. Of these, 1,033 interviewees scored for moderate/severe anxiety symptoms (STAI-6 > 3) and moderate/severe risk alcohol use (AUDIT-C > 3), and received the interventions via telephone calls with follow-up periods lasting seven and 180 days. For data analysis, a mixed-effects regression model was used. Results: the effect of the intervention performed was positive in reducing anxiety symptoms between T0 and T1 (mu=1.6, p<0.001) and in reducing the alcohol use pattern between T1 and T3 (mu=1.57, p<0.001) Conclusion: the follow-up results suggest a positive effect of the intervention in reducing anxiety and the alcohol use pattern, which tends to be maintained over time. There is diverse evidence that the intervention proposed can be an alternative for preventive care in mental health, in situations where accessibility of the user or the professional is compromised. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/12471-4 - Screening and management of anxiety symptoms and harmful alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemics: evaluation of the feasibility and effectiveness of a protocol of preventive intervention by phone
• Grantee: Divane de Vargas
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants