Frecuencias del trastorno dismórfico corporal en estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca en el año 2025

Abstract

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterized by a preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance, usually minor. This disorder affects quality of life and shows high comorbidity with anxiety and depression. Among university students, sociocultural factors and the use of social media increase its prevalence, highlighting the need for studies in local contexts. Objective: To determine the frequency of BDD among students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Cuenca during the year 2025. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of students selected through stratified sampling using Epidat 4.2, proportional to the number of enrolled students. The survey included the collection of sociodemographic data such as age, sex, major, and academic year. To assess BDD, the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) was used as an evaluation and screening tool, validated with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 90,7%. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics and Epidat 4.2. Results: A total of 417 students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences were evaluated. The average age was 21,3 years, with a predominance of females. Twenty-seven percent presented with body dysmorphic disorder. The Medicine and Nutrition programs reported higher rates of cases. The disorder was more common in women and in first-year students. Conclusions: The results showed a higher prevalence than that reported in international studies, whose values range between 2,3% and 6,4%.