Anxiety and depression in university students: relationship with academic performance

Abstract

Introduction: University students are at higher risk of anxiety and depression than the general population. Mental disorders have been associated with psychoactive substance abuse and can lead to poor academic performance, desertion, and suicidal behavior.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in university students, identify associated factors, and effect on academic performance.
Methods: Narrative review of the literature published in PubMed and other databases, that reported prevalence of anxiety and depression in the university between 2000 and 2017.
Results: Were found 14 studies in 11 countries. The prevalence range found was 16.0-76.0% (anxiety) and 9.6-74.4% (depression). Two studies with confirmatory diagnosis reported prevalence between 37-57% (anxiety) and 38.0-50.6% (depression). In Colombia, the prevalence of anxiety in university students ranged from 34.0 to 76.2% and for depression from 9.6 to 74.4%. For both mental disorders, risk factors included: female sex, long daily commutes to access university, living outside the family home, having other extra-academic obligations, having financial difficulties, lower socioeconomic status, consumption of alcohol, moderate and severe family dysfunction, history at least one traumatic event and a family history of mental illness or dysfunction. Protective factors included: physical activity, belonging to a group, and good sleep quality. Four out of six studies that investigated the association between anxiety/depression and academic performance, reported a positive association.
Conclusions: University students have a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression than the general population worldwide. Conditions that indicate social disadvantage are associated with worse mental health, which could affect academic performance.