[Mental health in physicians doing the rural and suburban health service in Peru: a baseline study].

The disadvantageous conditions in which young physicians have to do their rural and sub-urban health service (SERUMS) may put them in a high risk for mental disorders. This study aims to establish the baseline levels of depression and alcohol use problems among those physicians scheduled to complete their SERUMS during the period 2011-2012. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were administered as screening tests to 493 physicians. Depression scores were met by 26% females and 14.5% males, and alcohol use problem scores were met by 22% females and 26% males. Overall, 39% persons scored for either of both mental health entities. Mental health problems seem to be common among young physicians scheduled to migrate to their SERUMS. These problems must be addressed to avoid greater risks.