Prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade, estresse, depressão e estresse pós traumático em estudantes universitários no contexto pós pandemia da Covid-19.

Abstract

Introduction: Mental disorders represent a significant public health issue and are considered one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In the university context, various experiences can negatively impact the lives of young academics, with this environment being inherently stressful. Since 2020, the levels of emotional disorders have increased significantly in this population due to the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. Objective: To determine the prevalence and intensity of emotional disorders (anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder) among university students in the post-pandemic COVID-19 context. Method: An observational, quantitative, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 767 university students from a public university in Minas Gerais, Brazil, between August and December 2023. Data collection included a sociodemographic and psychosocial questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Data analysis employed descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistics. A 5% significance level was adopted, with 95% confidence intervals and adjusted odds ratios. Results: Regarding anxiety symptoms, 92 (12%) university students exhibited severe levels, and 316 (41.2%) presented extremely severe levels. For depression symptoms, 107 (14%) students showed severe levels, and 232 (30.2%) presented extremely severe levels. Stress symptoms were severe in 179 (23.3%) students and extremely severe in 201 (26.2%). Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were identified in 290 students (37.8%). The predictive models generated through logistic regression made it possible to identify the variables that increase the risk of occurrence and development of anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among university students. Conclusion: Emotional disorders had a significant impact on the lives of university students, as evidenced by the high prevalence of these conditions and the occurrence of symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This study is relevant to the field of nursing and may contribute to the development and implementation of targeted interventions and strategies within nursing practice.