ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN NURSING STUDENTS AT A UNIVERSITY IN CHILE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the levels of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms and biosociodemographic variables in second-year nursing students at a private university in Concepción, Chile. Material and Method: A quantitative, correlational, and predictive study with a cross-sectional design conducted in August 2023. 154 students participated, completing a biosociodemographic questionnaire
and the DASS-21 Scale. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlations, linear regression, and Hedges’ g calculations were performed. Results: The average age was 20.5 years, with 74.7% women, 79.9% living with their families, 50.6% having received mental health care, 72.7% consuming coffee, 53.9% alcohol, 42.9% energy drinks, 31.8% tobacco, and 17.5% marijuana. A total of 80.5% presented anxiety, which was severe or extreme in 44.8%, 53.2% presented depressive symptoms and 53.9% stress. A significant relationship was found between depression and mental health care, and between anxiety and energy drink consumption. Linear regression showed that marijuana use was associated with higher levels of depression. Comparisons between living groups indicated lower anxiety in those living with other relatives
or a partner compared to those living with their nuclear family. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for institutional strategies to support emotional wellbeing, focusing on access to mental health care and training for academic staff in this area.