Frequency of anxiety, depression and stress in nutrition students at the Universidad del Pacífico

Abstract

Background: In recent years there has been a growing interest in investigating stress, anxiety and depression in different contexts such as work, family and university. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out, including all those nutrition university students who correctly answered all the questions included in the data collection instrument designed for this study. Those under 18 years of age, those who answered the survey incorrectly, did not answer most of the questions, or did not wish to participate in the study were excluded. Sociodemographic data and the frequency of neurotic disorders were analyzed using the DASS-21 scale. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was carried out, a minimum sample size of 72 participants was calculated using a formula for a finite population. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 2 dimensions was made, where sociodemographic variables were considered in one dimension and neurotic disorders through the DASS-21 in the other dimension. Results: Of 78 university students surveyed, 63 (80,8 %) were women, 15 (19,2 %) were men, 32 (41 %) were between 21 and 25 years old, and 70 (89,7 %) had a single marital status. . 26 (33,3 %) were in their first year of college at the time of answering the survey. 22 (28,2 %) found it very difficult to relax in recent months, 21 (26,9 %) found it quite difficult to take the initiative for their activities, and 9 (11,5 %) felt quite that their life it didn't make any sense. 45 (57,79 %) of the respondents have symptoms of anxiety, 43 (55,12 %) of depression and 39 (50 %) of stress. Conclusion: We conclude that more than half of all respondents have symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.