Prevalence and associated factors to anxiety symptoms in a university setting: findings and implications

Gabriela Kristyna Santos Nogueira, Meiriane Peixoto, Gabriela Permanhane Pereira, Giovanna Moura Campos, Michael Ruberson Ribeira da Silva, Flávia Vitorino Freitas, Fabiana Dayse Magalhães Siman Meira

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health is an increasingly debated topic that has gained prominence as one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the anxiety symptoms in students and workers of the Federal University of Espírito Santo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2020. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic variables, academic profile, life habits, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Associated factors to anxiety were identified using prevalence ratios estimated by Poisson regression. Results: A total of 519 were included. Approximately 40% of the university population had suggestive symptoms of anxiety. The prevalence of suggestive symptoms of anxiety was 47.6% in undergraduates, 42.1% in graduate students, 27.6% in administrative technicians, and 12.5% in teachers (p < 0,05). Having satisfactory sleep was a protective factor against anxiety. However, the female sex, only studying and studying and working were associated factors to anxiety (p < 0,05). Conclusion: A high prevalence of anxiety symptoms was found in the university setting, especially among students. A higher prevalence was associated with the female sex, poor sleep, being a student, and working concurrently with the studies. These results point to the need to implement measures to promote and improve mental health in a university setting.