Description
Aim: Describe levels of depression, anxiety and stress among users of an urban/rural health
centre, analyse sex differences and comorbidity between depression, anxiety and stress.
Method: Descriptive co-relational study with a Portuguese version of DASS-21; consecutive
sample (n=343). Results: 40.52%, 43.48% and 45.06% of individuals present some
degree of depression, anxiety and of stress, respectively. Severe or very severe levels of
disturbance were found in 20.87% (anxiety), 22.38% (stress) and 12.24% (depression)
of individuals. Women present higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Depression,
Anxiety and Stress are strongly and positively associated. Conclusion: These results show
high point prevalence - higher than in other countries – and reveal differences in sex as well
as comorbidity. They may allow for the development of a local and community intervention
strategy for mental health promotion and disease prevention, particularly for women.
Descriptors: Depressão; Ansiedade; Atenção Primária à Saúde.
; Figueiredo, Maria Henriqueta 
