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Mental Health Problems and Related Factors in Ecuadorian College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Claudia Torres

    (Deparment of Psychology, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 11-01-608, Ecuador)

  • Patricia Otero

    (Deparment of Psychology, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain)

  • Byron Bustamante

    (Deparment of Psychology, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 11-01-608, Ecuador)

  • Vanessa Blanco

    (Deparment of Evolutive and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Olga Díaz

    (Deparment of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Fernando L. Vázquez

    (Deparment of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Abstract

Although the mental health problems of college students have been the subject of increasing research, there are no studies about its prevalence in Ecuadorian college students. The aim of this study was to determine the mental health problems and their associated factors in Ecuadorian freshmen university students. A sample of 1092 students (53.7% women; mean age = 18.3 years) were recruited from the Technical Particular University of Loja (Ecuador). Socio-demographic, academic, and clinical characteristics were gathered, as well as information on the participants’ mental health through a number of mental health screens. Prevalence of positive screens was 6.2% for prevalence of major depressive episodes, 0.02% for generalized anxiety disorders, 2.2% for panic disorders, 32.0% for eating disorders, 13.1% for suicidal risk. Mental health problems were significantly associated with sex, area of study, self-esteem, social support, personality and histories of mental health problems. The findings offer a starting point for identifying useful factors to target prevention and intervention strategies aimed at university students.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Torres & Patricia Otero & Byron Bustamante & Vanessa Blanco & Olga Díaz & Fernando L. Vázquez, 2017. "Mental Health Problems and Related Factors in Ecuadorian College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:5:p:530-:d:98697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vanessa Blanco & Paul Rohde & Fernando L. Vázquez & Patricia Otero, 2014. "Predictors of Prevention Failure in College Students Participating in Two Indicated Depression Prevention Programs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-19, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yaqin Zhong & Elizabeth Schroeder & Yuexia Gao & Xiaojun Guo & Yuanyuan Gu, 2021. "Social Support, Health Literacy and Depressive Symptoms among Medical Students: An Analysis of Mediating Effects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Antonella Granieri & Silvia Casale & Maria Domenica Sauta & Isabella Giulia Franzoi, 2022. "Suicidal Ideation among University Students: A Moderated Mediation Model Considering Attachment, Personality, and Sex," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-13, May.
    3. Suphawita Pliannuom & Kanokporn Pinyopornpanish & Chaisiri Angkurawaranon & Kanokwan Pinyopornpanish & Anawat Wisetborisut & Surinporn Likhitsathian & Wichuda Jiraporncharoen, 2021. "Utilization of Health Care Services and Common Disease Diagnoses among University Students: An Analysis of 35,249 Students from Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-11, July.
    4. Shegang Zhou & Lin Jin & Xiaoxian Liu & Xiaosheng Ding & Xiangru Zhu, 2022. "Developmental Trajectory of Depressive Symptoms in Chinese College Students: Latent Classes and Gender Effect," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.

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