Associação entre transtornos mentais comuns e comprometimento da atenção em estudantes de cursos da área da saúde

Abstract

Common Mental Disorders – CMDs –, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are critical global public health concerns that affect individuals across all age groups and genders. University students, particularly those enrolled in health-related programs, are frequently affected by these conditions, which can negatively impact both their academic performance and future professional trajectories. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CMDs among students in health-related fields, to examine the potential association between these disorders and levels of attention impairment, and to identify possible related risk factors. A total of 64 students from the sixth to eighth academic semesters, enrolled in Physiotherapy and Nursing programs at public and private institutions in northern Brazil, participated in the study. The sample was selected using non-probabilistic (convenience) sampling and was predominantly composed of young individuals aged 18 to 41 years. Most participants were single (87.5%) and female (71.8%). Among the respondents, 59.4% lived with parents and siblings, and 71.9% reported a monthly household income between two and five minimum wages. In general, participants were considered healthy, with 42.2% engaging in regular physical activity and 71.9% maintaining a balanced diet primarily consisting of unprocessed, home-cooked meals. However, a majority reported sleeping only five to six hours per night (73.4%). Only 6.3% of participants self-identified as neurodivergent. Findings revealed that a significant portion of the participants (56.1%) exhibited a high likelihood of psychological distress, which was reflected in the observed prevalence of stress (48.4%), anxiety (53.1%), and depression (45.3%). Regression analysis indicated that extremely severe stress and severe anxiety had a notable impact on attention performance. In contrast, mild or moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were not significantly associated with attention impairment. Similarly, no meaningful correlations were found between CMD symptoms and the assessed risk factors. These results underscore the need for further research to better understand the factors contributing to mental health challenges among students and to guide the development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being.