Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Nutrition Students: Associated Factors

Abstract

Introduction: The university population is vulnerable to the development of psychological distress, given changes in lifestyle and demands. And with regard to health courses, there are other variables such as psychological pressure and coping with psycho-emotional situations, evidenced by their performance in the health-disease process. Objective: To identify signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and their associated factors among Nutrition students. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted with 158 students enrolled in the Nutrition course in 2018. Were used questionnaires from the I National Survey on Alcohol and Other Drug Use among University Students in the 27 Brazilian Capitals and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. For statistical analysis used the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results and Discussion: The majority presented signs and symptoms for anxiety (41.1%), while 20.2% portrayed for depression. The associated factors found with statistical significance were academic behavior, leisure, spirituality and sexual abuse. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the need for the development of strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment to improve the mental health of these students, contributing to a better academic and professional performance and success in their lives. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Student Health.