Stress, anxiety and depression in midwifery students at a public university during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated significant repercussions in higher education students. Its impact has led to the development of academic and health conditions, especially in mental health. Objective: To identify the level of stress, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in midwifery students of a public university. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study, which was carried out in a sample of 212 midwifery students who were selected in a non-probabilistic way. Three instruments were applied: the global perception of stress scale (EPGE), the generalized anxiety disorder measurement scale (GAD-7) and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), all with high reliability. Absolute and relative frequencies were estimated. Results: The highest proportion of the students was female (95,8 %) and aged between 21 and 25 years (66%). In addition, 37,2% were in their fourth year and 6,1% lived alone. Moderate eustress (85,8%) and high distress (66%) occurred more frequently. 18,9% had a severe level of anxiety and worry (81,1%), and inability to relax (80,7%) were the most frequent symptoms. 31,1% and 11,8% had mild and severe depression, respectively. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the midwifery students present high levels of stress, mild depression and severe anxiety.

Keywords

• ansiedad
• covid-19
• depresión
• estrés psicológico
• salud mental.