Estrés, ansiedad y depresión en universitarios del cantón Esmeraldas: un estudio transversal sobre salud mental

The university stage represents a critical period in personal development, marked by numerous daily challenges that can negatively impact students' mental health. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the frequency of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in a university population, taking into account gender differences. The sample consisted of 258 participants, who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). The findings revealed a high prevalence of severe symptoms: anxiety (49%), stress (32%), and depression (32%), with women reporting significantly higher scores. These results reflect a notable deterioration in the psychological well-being of the participants, emphasizing the need to design and implement strategies for promotion, prevention, and psychological care aimed at strengthening both mental well-being and academic performance.