Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Period: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Peruvian University Students upon Return to Face-to-Face Classes

Abstract

Mental health is considered an indicator of well-being in which people perceive their own potential, can face adverse life situations, function adequately and fruitfully, and are capable of contributing to society. In this sense, the objective of the present investigation was to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress in Peruvian university students upon their return to face-to-face classes. The quantitative approach was used, the design was non-experimental, and the type was descriptive of a cross-section. The sample consisted of 746 students who were administered the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, an instrument with adequate psychometric properties. The results indicate that the students presented low levels of depression and anxiety. However, they presented moderate levels of stress. High, direct, and significant correlations were also reported between depression and anxiety (rs = 0.850; p < 0.05), between depression and stress (rs = 0.840; p < 0.05), and between anxiety and stress (rs = 0.836; p < 0.05). It was also determined that depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly associated with some sociodemographic factors such as gender and age group (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the students presented symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Therefore, it is necessary for university authorities to implement strategies for the evaluation and prevention of these symptoms and for the promotion of better mental health in future professionals to promote their personal well-being and quality of life.