Abstract

SILVA-JARA, Cristhian; SOSA-RUIZ, Melissa Beatriz; PEREZ-MENDEZ, Jorge Daniel  and  SAMUDIO, Margarita. Frequency and risk factors for anxiety and depression in medical interns during the COVID-19 pandemic in two private universities in Paraguay. Rev. cient. cienc. soc. [online]. 2021, vol.3, n.2, pp.9-19. ISSN 2708-0412.  https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsociales/03.02.2021.9.

Medical internship is a stage with a great predisposition to develop anxiety and depression. Security measures for the coronavirus pandemic have contributed to the risk of developing these mental disorders. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and associated factors of the risk of developing anxiety and depression in medical interns during the COVID-19 pandemic at two private universities in Paraguay. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in which medical interns who agreed to participate in the study were included. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Beck and Zung tests sent by social networks. Of 101 participants, 77.2% were women, 39.5% older than 24 years, 84.2% were from urban areas, 68.3% were economically dependent, 67.3% had recreational activities, and 96% were friends at the university. The predisposition to develop anxiety was 73.2% and depression 31.6%. Female students were more likely to develop both anxiety and depression. An important association between anxiety and depression was evidenced. The high probability of developing anxiety and depression in inmates requires protocols that guarantee the necessary support to improve their well-being.

Keywords : Medical internship, medicine, anxiety, depression; pandemic; COVID-19.

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