Challenges in Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression and Burnout Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico

Abstract

Results of an observational, cross-sectional and prospective study of students from two medical schools, (ESM and ESMH) from Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN) Mexico, are presented, 653 respondents to assess depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use. Physicians who recently graduated doctors and medical students close to graduating were specifically evaluated. Variables (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and substance use) were evaluated. Results: 301 students of the total population attended with symptoms of mild level anxiety while 131 presented severe anxiety; Regarding levels of depression in general, 65.8% coursed with some depression, the ESM reported 27.8% with moderate depression and the ESMH with 24.2 in the same type of depression. The incidence of substance use in both schools was 15.2%. The male sex registered a consumption of 7.4% and the female sex 9.7%. Regarding the results of risk of suicidal ideation, the ESM registered 27% and the ENMH registered a risk of 35.5%. The pressures received due to work overload, the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of supplies and medical equipment.