Factors associated with comorbidity for depression, anxiety, and stress screening in a sample of university’s community during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective This study presents the prevalence and factors associated with comorbidity in screening for depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive/exploratory study used self-reported DASS-21 to screen for mental health. Results In an online sample, 14.48% (n = 260), 12.42% (n = 223), and 31.12% (n = 559) illegible of participants were screened, respectively, positive for only one, for only two and for all the three outcomes. Being student, having children, using substances, reporting COVID-19 symptoms, reporting worsened emotional state, and previous mental disorders were associated with comorbidity for depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion Individuals from the studied university’s community experienced psychological disorders, as measured by levels of anxiety, depression, and stress and comorbidity for these outcomes, probably as Covid-19’s initial psychological impact.