Variables Related to Anxiety-Depression in University Students

Abstract

Background. Health, as a subjective state of well-being, responds to the sociodemographic context characteristics. Previous studies suggest that mental health indicators among university students are comparatively lower than the general population, arguably due to the interaction of contextual factors. Aims. This study aims to evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables, anxiety and depression among university students at the Colombian Atlantic coast. Methods. Using a cross-sectional design, participants (n = 6,224) completed the PROMIS scale and a sociodemographic information questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were conducted to analyze the incidence and comorbidity of anxiety-depression. Additionally, logistic regression models analyzed the effect of sociodemographic variables on anxiety-depression. Results. 55.7% of participants reported anxiety symptoms, 33.2% reported depression symptoms, and 28.9% reported comorbidity. Sex, marital status, ethnic group, and socioeconomic level were significant predictors of anxiety-depression. Conclusions. Findings indicate that anxiety and depression are frequent among university students. The importance of developing interventions to promote health on students’ professional performance is discussed