ESTRESSE, ANSIEDADE E DEPRESSÃO EM JOVENS E ADOLESCENTES

Abstract

Introduction. Youth, which encompasses the age range from 15 to 29 years old, is a period of life where several changes and experiences occur and, with them, factors that cause stress, anxiety and depression may arise. Objective: To describe the levels of stress, anxiety and depression in adolescents and young people, and their relationship with sociodemographic, health and life variables. Method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach. The study location was a campus of a Federal Educational Institution (IFE) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The study population was 148 adolescents and young people regularly enrolled on the IFE campus, aged between 10 and 24 years old and regularly enrolled. in a campus course. Data relating to levels of stress, anxiety and depression were collected through the application of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to collect sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables using an instrument constructed by the researchers. Data collection took place from June to August 2023. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Jamovi program, using simple descriptive analysis, mean and median, standard deviation and relationship analysis using the chi-square test. Results: 148 adolescents and young people participated in the study, aged between 14 and 24 years old, with an average between 16 and 17 years old, the majority of whom were female (64.2%, n=148), single (87.4%, n=143). In relation to color (n=147), the majority declared themselves black (47.6%), followed by white (38.1%) and brown (12.2%), with only two participants who declared themselves and yellow color and one of the indigenous ethnicity. Analysis of the presence of levels of stress, anxiety and depression above the score established as normal on each scale indicated that 67.8% had some level of stress (n=142), 63.1% had anxiety (n=141) and 70.1% depression (n=147), neurological (n=142), 15.8% are currently taking some medication (n=139), 83.8% eat up to four meals a day (n =142), 55.4% do not perform physical activity (n=148) and 43.5% do not perform leisure activities (n=147). Analysis of the presence of levels of stress, anxiety and depression above the score established as normal on each scale indicated that 67.8% had some level of stress (n=142), 63.1% had anxiety (n=141) and 70.1% depression (n=147). Conclusion: adolescents and young people participating in this study presented levels of stress, anxiety and depression related to sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of these conditions and the need for a holistic approach to understanding and treating mental health issues.