Prevalencia de depresión, ansiedad, estrés académico y factores de riesgo asociados en los estudiantes de la Carrera de Odontología de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2025

Abstract

Background: The study of depression, anxiety, and academic stress in dental students is essential due to their impact on psychological well-being and academic performance. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, academic stress, and associated risk factors among students of the Dentistry Program at the University of Cuenca, 2025. Methodology: An observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study with a random sample of 94 dental students. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the DASS-21 scale (α > 0.7) were administered. Measures of central tendency and frequencies were used; the association was analyzed with the chi-square test (p < 0.05); the analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: Of the students surveyed, 60.6% were female, with a mean age of 18.7 years (SD = 1.11); 52.1% were 18 years old, 97.9% were single, and 90.4% lived in urban areas. Regarding mental health, a prevalence of anxiety was 13.8%, depression 6.4%, and stress 1.1%. Being 18 to 19 years old was a protective factor against anxiety (OR = 0.179; p = 0.003), while being 20 to 25 years old represented a risk factor (OR = 7.424; p = 0.001). No significant associations were found between anxiety and the variables sex, marital status, or place of residence. Conclusion: Anxiety was the most prevalent disorder among students, with age being a significantly associated factor in its onset.