RESUMEN
Abstract Stress has proved to be an important research topic in recent decades, given its influence on physical and mental health. As a way of evaluating this construct, the 10-Item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) has been the most used measure. The present study was conducted considering the questions that are still present concerning the factorial structure of the instrument and the scarcity of studies focused on item analysis with the Brazilian population. Based on the results of 4.970 Brazilians of both sexes, with an average age of 31.3 years (SD = 11.89), from the five regions of Brazil, the confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit of the one-dimensional model. Subsequently, the item response theory indicated adequate residuals (infit and outfit) for all items and satisfactory item-theta correlation values. The scale precision was a = .89. Four items showed differential functioning for the gender variable, three in favor of men. The analysis made it possible to identify the thoughts and feelings that most differentiate individuals with a high level of perceived stress, adding evidence of validity to the instrument for use in the Brazilian population.
Resumen El estrés ha demostrado ser un tema de investigación importante en las últimas décadas, dada su influencia en la salud física y mental. Como forma de evaluar este constructo, la Escala de Estrés Percibido de 10 Ítems (PSS-10) ha sido la medida más utilizada. El presente estudio se realizó considerando las preguntas que aún están presentes sobre la estructura factorial del instrumento y la escasez de estudios enfocados en el análisis de ítems con la población brasileña. Con base en los resultados de 4.970 brasileños, de ambos sexos, con una edad promedio de 31.3 años (DE = 11. 89), de las cinco regiones de Brasil, el análisis factorial confirmatorio indicó un buen ajuste del modelo unidimensional. Posteriormente, la teoría de respuesta al ítem indicó residuos adecuados (infit y outfit) para todos los ítems y valores satisfactorios de correlación ítem-theta. La precisión de la escala fue a =.89. Cuatro ítems mostraron funcionamiento diferencial para la variable género, tres a favor de los hombres. El análisis permitió identificar los pensamientos y sentimientos que más diferencian a los individuos con un alto nivel de estrés percibido, agregando evidencia de validez al instrumento para su uso en la población brasileña.
RESUMEN
Abstract This study evaluated the relationship between meta-worries and anxiety and depressive symptoms at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. In March 2020, 2,042 individuals, aged 18-78 years were recruited. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Meta-Worry Questionnaire were administered online. Four logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of the independent variables on anxiety and/or depressive symptoms with explained variances between 28% and 39%. Being younger, not having a steady income, perceiving oneself as sick, and having a high meta-concern level increased the chances of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Finally, we hope to contribute to the screening of factors associated with mental disorders in Brazil at the beginning of the pandemic.
Resumo Esta pesquisa avaliou relações entre metapreocupações e sintomas ansiosos e/ou depressivos no início da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil. Participaram 2042 indivíduos, entre 18 e 78 anos, na segunda quinzena de março de 2020. Um questionário sociodemográfico, o 4-item Patient Health Questionnnaire e o Meta-Worry Questionnnaire foram respondidos online. Quatro modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para estimar o efeito das variáveis independentes nos sintomas ansiosos e/ou depressivos, com variâncias explicadas entre 28% e 39%. Ser mais jovem, não ter renda fixa, perceber-se doente e alto índice de metapreocupação aumentaram as chances de demonstrar sintomatologia ansiosa e/ou depressiva. Por fim, espera-se ter contribuído com o mapeamento de fatores associados à transtornos mentais no início da pandemia no Brasil.