Prevalencia de depresión, ansiedad, estrés y factores asociados en los docentes de la facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca en el periodo agosto 2024 – diciembre 2024

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in university teachers has been widely documented, associated with intense workloads and lack of institutional support. These disorders affect not only mental health but also professional and personal performance, making their study and management essential. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in teachers at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Cuenca in the period August 2024–December 2024. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out with a sample of 245 teachers; the DASS-21 questionnaire and a demographic form were applied to analyze the associations between depression, anxiety, stress and factors such as sex, age, marital status, residence, workload, family responsibilities and physical health, using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test; data confidentiality was guaranteed. Results: It was found that the prevalence of depression was 2.9%, with 1.6% of mild cases. Anxiety affected 15.9% of teachers, with moderate level being the most frequent (9.4%). Stress was present in 5.7% of cases, with 3.7% at a mild level. Being single was significantly associated with a higher risk of anxiety (p=0.043), while being female and having days off work showed a significant relationship with stress.