Prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns e fatores associados em estudantes universitários

Introduction: The prevalence of Common Mental Disorders in certain populations, such as university students, is generally higher than in the general population. Objective: This study estimates the prevalence of common mental disorders among university students and identifies associated risk factors, especially sexual violence. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that uses a sociodemographic questionnaire and a screening instrument for Common Mental Disorders, the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. In total, 862 participants completed the questionnaire, the majority of whom were female. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was performed to identify variables associated with common mental disorders. After this step, logistic regression analysis was conducted, calculating the Odds Ratio along with corresponding confidence intervals. Results: The prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in the sample was 42.81%. Just over half of our sample had experienced some form of sexual violence, with or without contact; 29.35% have undergone or are undergoing psychotherapy, and 17.63% are taking psychiatric medication. The prevalence of CMD was higher among women (45.41%), younger individuals (45.13%), those who were victims of sexual (54.82%) and psychological (54.24%) violence. In the multivariate analysis, women (AOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.19-2.77), individuals who were victims of sexual (AOR 2.12; 95% CI 1.52-2.97) and psychological (AOR 2.95; 95% CI 2.09-4.18) violence, and those who have used or are using psychiatric medication (AOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.21-3.15) had a higher likelihood of having CMD. Conclusion: A high prevalence of CMD was identified among university students, along with a significant association between sexual and psychological violence and CMD, underscoring its relevance in this context. These risk factors should be considered in mental health screening.