Resumo

MARTY, M. et al. Prevalence of stress in health sciences students at Los Andes University and its relation to infectious diseases Carolina. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [online]. 2005, vol.43, n.1, pp. 25-32. ISSN 0717-9227.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-92272005000100004.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of stress among Health Sciences students at LosAndes University (UANDES) and to compare subgroups according to gender, major, andyear of college. To determine if there is a link between stress and infectious diseases.Methods. 438 students from all seven years of Medical School and first year Nursing,Psychology and Dentistry students at UANDES. In October 2002 (test period) we administered a stress survey and checked for any symptoms of infectious disease during the previous 10 days. Results. We found a 36,3% stress prevalence, greater among women than men (p < 0,05). Medical students have significantly higher rates of stress than those in the other degree programs, and Psychology is the field of study with the least stress prevalence (p < 0,005). The first year of Medicine has significantly greater stress than the remaining years (p < 0,01). We found that stress is linked to infectious diseases (0,05). Conclusions. A significant percentage of Health Sciences students at UANDES suffer stress; it is therefore important to help them cope with stress and its causes

Palavras-chave : stress; university students; psychoneuroimmunology.