PREVALÊNCIA DE ANSIEDADE EM PESSOAS EM SITUAÇÃO DE RUA: UM ESTUDO COMPARATIVO NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA DE FORTALEZA

Abstract

Anxiety disorder represents a significant public health problem, with its prevalence profoundly influenced by social determinants such as homelessness. This study aimed to analyze and compare the prevalence of anxiety among homeless individuals and a population with fixed residences in the municipality of Fortaleza-CE. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with a final sample of 174 male participants, attended at a Primary Health Care Unit and a philanthropic institution. Data collection used a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. The results revealed an alarming clinical disparity: while the group with fixed residences presented an average score compatible with mild anxiety (9.4), the homeless population obtained an average of 13.2, indicating intense psychological distress. It was observed that 81.0% of homeless individuals presented symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety, in contrast to 42.9% of the control group. The analysis also indicated a positive correlation between the length of time spent on the streets (average of 5 years) and the severity of anxiety, as well as a high prevalence of substance use, predominantly crack cocaine (71.4%). It is concluded that living on the streets imposes a state of continuous alertness and hypervigilance, demanding that Primary Care develop care strategies that integrate mental health with harm reduction practices for the effective management of this vulnerable population.