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Revista científica ciencias de la salud
On-line version ISSN 2664-2891
Abstract
BARRIOS, Iván et al. Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors and Their Association with Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Paraguayan Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Rev. cient. cienc. salud [online]. 2025, vol.7, e7114. Epub July 31, 2025. ISSN 2664-2891. https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsalud/2025.e7114.
Introduction. Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as trichotillomania and excoriation disorder, significantly impact quality of life, psychological well-being, and academic performance. However, research on their association with mental health symptoms in Paraguayan medical students is limited. Objective. To describe the prevalence of BFRBs in medical students and their association with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Materials and Methods. This was an observational study involving 158 medical students in Paraguay, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Validated Spanish-language instruments were used, including the Skin Picking Scale-Revised, the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Associations between variables were assessed using the chi-square test (significance level of 5%). Results. The prevalence of excoriation disorder was 22.8%, and that of trichotillomania was 7%. Depression was present in 63.3% of students, anxiety in 62.7%, and stress in 56.3%. Depression increased the odds of excoriation disorder ninefold (OR = 9.03; p < 0.001), while anxiety (OR = 4.9; p < 0.001) and stress (OR = 5.34; p < 0.001) also showed significant associations. Trichotillomania was not associated with these symptoms. Conclusion. The high prevalence of BFRBs and their association with mental health symptoms highlight the need for targeted interventions in medical students to improve their psychological well-being and academic performance.
Keywords : body-focused repetitive behaviors; depression; anxiety; stress; medical students; Paraguay.
