Minor mental disorders among undergraduate students: Prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Abstract Although it is recognized that mental disorders are more likely to occur in adulthood, especially in university period, and result in damage to health and incapacity for work, researches with university population are scarce in Brazil. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Minor Mental Disorders (MMD) among undergraduate students of a public university of São Paulo state, and investigate its association with social and economic conditions, sexuality and gender. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018 with 376 undergraduate students who were halfway through the course. Data were collected from an anonymously and self-administered questionnaire, and MMD was evaluated from Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Associations were estimated through logistic regression, and odds ration calculated. We found prevalence of 53.9% of MMD among the students, and associated with gender (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.37-5.67), being LGBT + (e.g Bisexuals OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.56-5.50), not receiving necessary family support (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.00 - 15.68), not being satisfied with the course (OR, 23.69 95% CI, 2.95 - 190,03) and not practicing physical activities regularly (OR, 2.05; 95% IC, 1.33 - 3.17). Minor mental disorders prevalence found was high, reaching more than 70% in some courses (e.g 77.8% among Biomedicine students), mainly associated with gender, sexual orientation and emotional support. Our study draws attention to the urgency of monitoring the mental health status of undergraduate students, and implementing mental health centers at universities, as well as facilitating access and improve existing centers. Key messages The high prevalence of minor mental disorders found among undergraduate students indicates the urgent need for interventions in this populations. Women and LGBT+ students are groups at higher risk for the development of minor mental disorders at university. Strategies must be created to reduce the higher prevalence in this populations.