[Study of anxiety levels in neonatal unit staff]

The professionals who routinely work in neonatal units become under stress due to the working conditions and the nature of the tasks carried out. As a consequence of this, they may have high levels of anxiety. Anxiety is defined as an emotional response or response patterns that include cognitive, physiological and behavioural aspects.

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all neonatologist, nurses and care assistants who were given two self-administered questionnaires under baseline conditions, to assess Sate Anxiety and Trait Anxiety. (IDDA-EA; STAI, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).

The response rate was 88.5%, and 36% scored between 30 and 70 percentiles on State Anxiety, with 11.8% above the 70 percentile and 51% below the 30 percentile. There were no significant differences in relation to occupation or age. There were also no significant differences between State and Trait Anxiety. Regarding gender, it has obtained A statistically significant difference of 8 points higher was obtained for women.

For the majority professionals everyday situations in which are involved do not significantly raise the burden of anxiety, as half of them have levels below the average. They perceive themselves as competent and able to cope with their tasks. They have a high degree of interest and attention in the activities performed.