Prevalence of Mental Health Symptoms and Health-Related Habits in a Sample of Chilean University Students

Abstract

The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of mental health symptoms and health-related habits and analyze differences by sex, origin, and socioeconomic status in a convenience sample of 601 students from 3 Chilean universities in the cities of Arica, Concepción, and Temuco. Participants answered the 1st University Mental Health Survey, which was composed of 6 mental health instruments that measure sociodemographic variables and the mental health conditions most frequently observed in this population. Analyses of frequencies and group differences (Student's t-test and ANOVA) indicate that more than 45% of the participants display risk symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, or stress, with comorbidity; women exhibit greater anxiety and stress, while young people from urban backgrounds show greater anxiety. Five percent display suicidal ideation and 14% report risky eating behaviors, with the latter being more prevalent in women. In addition, 50% of participants report symptoms of insomnia and 42% daytime hypersomnia, with the latter being more frequent in urban youth. There is a varied and worrying level of substance consumption, with men reporting the highest consumption of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and hallucinogens, while women consume more tranquilizers. Differences in tobacco and alcohol use were also found in connection with background and socioeconomic status. These findings corroborate the high prevalence of several mental health problems among the university students in this sample, demonstrating the need to conduct further research on these issues and implement promotion, prevention, and early treatment programs for this population group.