Mental Health in university students in social isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Arequipa, Peru.

Introduction: The COVID-19 Pandemic has had negative impacts on the physical and mental health of people, as well as the measures adopted by governments to prevent the massive contagion of the population, such as confinement, social isolation, virtual work, and virtual education. Among those affected by these changes would be university students in the health area who, in addition to studying in these pandemic conditions, have been unable to do their health service practices. This situation of exposure to isolation could affect the mental health of young university students. Objective: To determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students, their relationship with sociodemographic variables, and the characteristics of social isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was carried out with a sample of 818 university students from health sciences faculties using the DASS-21 self-administered questionnaire. Results: The main findings were a higher prevalence of high levels (severe and highly severe) in anxiety, reaching almost 4 out of 10 of those evaluated; On the other hand, in depression and stress, 2 out of 10 of those evaluated were found at the mentioned levels. Concerning the sociodemographic variables, those related to COVID-19 and social isolation, statistically significant differences were found with gender (women > men), having had COVID-19 (Yes > No), and living with relatives as before. On average, the pandemic (Yes > No) obtained higher scores in depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: The students who presented greater depression, anxiety, and stress with a significant difference were female, with a history of having had Covid-19, less contact with family members, and having complied with total social isolation.