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Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Peruvian Medical Students

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge L. Piscoya-Tenorio

    (School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Lambayeque 14013, Peru)

  • Walter V. Heredia-Rioja

    (School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Lambayeque 14013, Peru)

  • Noelia Morocho-Alburqueque

    (Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Piura (SOCIEMUNP), Piura 20007, Peru)

  • Sandra Zeña-Ñañez

    (School of Medicine, Universidad Continental, Lima 15046, Peru)

  • Palmer J. Hernández-Yépez

    (South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru)

  • Cristian Díaz-Vélez

    (School of Medicine, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo 13008, Peru
    Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo, EsSalud, Chiclayo 14001, Peru)

  • Virgilo E. Failoc-Rojas

    (Unidad de Investigación para Generación y Síntesis de Evidencia en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru)

  • Mario J. Valladares-Garrido

    (South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru
    Oficina de Epidemiología, Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Chiclayo 14012, Peru)

Abstract

During medical training, students are exposed to stressors that deteriorate mental health. This study determined depression and anxiety prevalence and their associated factors in students from four medical schools in northern Peru. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from Lambayeque, Peru. The Goldberg Anxiety and Zung Depression tests were applied. The dependent variables were depression and anxiety, and their association with covariates (age, sex, type of university, socioeconomic level, experience, family problem, and physical activity) was evaluated. Prevalence ratios were calculated using generalized linear models. Of 482 students, the prevalence of anxiety was 61.8% and depression was 22.0%. A severe level of anxiety was observed in 6.2% in the group between 16 and 20 years old. It was observed that private university students had higher frequencies of having depression (PR = 2.01) and anxiety (PR = 1.35); males had a lower risk of anxiety (PR = 0.82), but higher risk of depression compared to females (PR = 1.45). Performing physical activity decreased the prevalence of depression (PR = 0.53); however, it increased the frequency of anxiety (PR = 1.26). Having family problems increased the prevalence of anxiety (PR = 1.26). Medical students from private universities experienced higher rates of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety were associated with gender and physical activity. These findings highlight the importance of mental health promotion due to its link with quality of life and academic performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge L. Piscoya-Tenorio & Walter V. Heredia-Rioja & Noelia Morocho-Alburqueque & Sandra Zeña-Ñañez & Palmer J. Hernández-Yépez & Cristian Díaz-Vélez & Virgilo E. Failoc-Rojas & Mario J. Valladares-Ga, 2023. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Peruvian Medical Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2907-:d:1060624
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Palmer J. Hernández-Yépez & Carlos O. Muñoz-Pino & Valeria Ayala-Laurel & Pavel J. Contreras-Carmona & Fiorella Inga-Berrospi & Víctor J. Vera-Ponce & Virgilo E. Failoc-Rojas & César Johan Pereira-Vic, 2022. "Factors Associated with Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Peruvian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Telmo Raul Aveiro-Róbalo & Luciana Daniela Garlisi-Torales & Marisella Chumán-Sánchez & César J. Pereira-Victorio & Mariana Huaman-Garcia & Virgilio E. Failoc-Rojas & Mario J. Valladares-Garrido, 2022. "Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Travis Tian-Ci Quek & Wilson Wai-San Tam & Bach X. Tran & Min Zhang & Zhisong Zhang & Cyrus Su-Hui Ho & Roger Chun-Man Ho, 2019. "The Global Prevalence of Anxiety Among Medical Students: A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-18, July.
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