“Ansiedad, estrés y depresión y su relación en las prácticas pre-profesionales en estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca, 2023.”

Abstract

Introduction. Anxiety, stress, and depression are mental health imbalances that can affect a large number of individuals globally. These conditions can have a significant effect on the day-to-day lives of those who suffer from them, altering their emotional, mental, and even physical stability. Objective. To identify the relationship between anxiety, stress, and depression in dental students of the Catholic University of Cuenca during pre-professional practices. Methodology. It was a correlational-descriptive study with a cross-sectional, non-experimental quantitative approach. A survey was administered to 262 students from the fifth to the tenth cycle of the Dentistry major at the Catholic University of Cuenca who were actively enrolled in practices. The DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) instrument was applied. Results. The diagnoses with the highest prevalence in all dental processes were "Extremely Severe Anxiety," "No Stress," and "Moderate Depression." Conclusions. Endodontics is the dental area that generates the most significant anxiety, stress, and depression.