Stress and coping among workers at psychosocial care centers in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo.

Introducao: Os Centros de Atencao Psicossocial (CAPS) sao servicos comunitarios que foram concebidos como modelo substitutivo que rompe com o modelo de atencao manicomial, alinhado aos principios do Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS), promovendo uma clinica centrada no sujeito. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalencia de estresse e suas associacoes com as caracteristicas biossociais e as estrategias de enfrentamento relacionadas ao processo de trabalho dos profissionais da saude que trabalham nos CAPS de uma cidade do interior de Sao Paulo. Method: Cross-sectional quantitative study involving administration of three questionnaires: biosocial, Work Stress Scale and a checklist of coping strategies. The sample comprised 193 healthcare providers from 11 different CAPS. Results: Most participants were female, with average age 35 years old, single and without children. The levels of stress were rated high, with prevalence of 50.2%. The main associations found concern the participants' subjective appraisal of their job, particularly personal recognition and satisfaction. The coping strategies most frequently cited were problem-solving and social support. Conclusion: We found high levels of stress in the analyzed population and association of stress mainly with biosocial characteristics.