Factors Associated with Anxiety Symptoms and Academic Stress in Health Sciences Students

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety and academic stress in health sciences students have emerged as university public health problems, with high prevalence and effects on performance and well-being. Objective: To identify associated factors and describe the relationship between anxiety (measured with the GAD-7) and academic stress (assessed with the SISCO) in health sciences students. Method: An observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 health sciences students in Cuba, using an online questionnaire that included the GAD-7 and SISCO instruments. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, correlations, ANOVA, the chi-square test, and a Tukey post-hoc test (with a significance level of α=0.05). Results: A moderate and statistically significant positive correlation was identified between anxiety and stress (r=0.471; p<0.001). No correlations with age or significant differences by academic program were found. The ANOVA revealed differences in stress levels by year of study (F = 2.271; p = 0.046), although the Tukey test did not detect significant specific pairs. The chi-square analysis showed a strong association between the anxiety and stress categories (χ² = 34.362; df = 6; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Anxiety and academic stress are interrelated. Their distribution is homogeneous across different programs and age groups, but varies by academic year. These findings support the implementation of universal interventions with special emphasis on critical courses and the management of modifiable factors.