Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in medical students: Application of the DASS-21 psychometric scale

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health in university students is affected by multiple risk factors. The suicide rate among young people has increased in Ecuador, influenced by psychological, social, and cultural factors. Depression, stress, and anxiety are becoming increasingly prevalent, affecting the quality of life of those who suffer from them. Objective: To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic variables, alcohol consumption, access to mental health professionals, and clinical variables in medical students. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on medical students at ESPOCH, using the already validated DASS-21 scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress, along with the CAGE questionnaire to evaluate alcohol consumption. Data were collected through Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, including the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kendall’s correlation, and ordinal logistic regression. Informed consent was obtained from participants, ensuring data confidentiality and adherence to ethical principles. Results: No association was found between biological sex and the presence of depression and anxiety; however, women had a higher level of stress (p<0.05), with statistically significant differences. Higher academic semesters were associated with fewer symptoms. There is a relationship between the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and the lack of consultation with mental health professionals. Discussion: Women exhibited a higher frequency of anxiety and stress symptoms. Younger students and those in higher semesters showed fewer symptoms of anxiety. Conclusion: Biological sex, academic semester level, and lack of professional care influence the presence of symptoms in medical students. Addressing social and behavioral determinants is crucial to improving their mental health.