FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STRESS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN STUDENTS OF A BRAZILIAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

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Abstract

Objective: To identify the factors associated with stress, anxiety and depression among students at a Brazilian international university. Material and Method: Cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 374 Brazilian and international students enrolled in on-site undergraduate courses. Sampling was non-probabilistic and stratified. Students who were actively enrolled and aged 18 years or over were included. Those undergoing energy therapy or taking anxiolytics or antidepressants were excluded. The study was conducted in four stages: explanation of the research; data collection; data tabulation; and
statistical analysis. Two instruments were completed: a questionnaire on
socioeconomic and demographic data, academic profile, lifestyle habits and self-perception of anxiety, as well as the Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Measurement Scale. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20.0. Absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion, and the Mann-Whitney U test were explored, and the p value considered was 0.05. Results: Women are more anxious (p=0.000); there was a statistical correlation between having a negative self- perception of academic performance (p= 0.000); history of smoking (p= 0.007); alcohol consumption (p= 0.003); not practicing physical activity (p= 0.017);
negative self-perception of health (p= 0.000); negative self-perception of mental health (p= 0.000); self-perceiving as anxious (p= 0.000); and not seeking treatment for anxiety (p= 0.002). Conclusion: Understanding these factors enables the development of targeted and assertive activities to address the
problem, promote and maintain mental health.