Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among High School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study in Western Mexico.

ABSTRACT

Social isolation and school closure may predispose adolescents to higher prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. In this cross-sectional observational study, the validated Spanish version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was administered to 3112 students aged 14-22 years old. We also collected data on participant gender, age group, school shift (morning or afternoon), school year, family type, whether they or any first-degree relative had been infected with COVID-19, whether any family member had died of COVID-19, and whether either of their parents worked. Mean scores were 8.34 ± 6.33 for depression, 7.75 ± 5.89 for anxiety, and 10.26 ± 5.84 for stress. Female students presented significantly higher scores on all three measures compared with male students. Students who had been infected with COVID-19, who had an infected family member, or who had a family member who died of COVID-19 also presented higher scores on all three measures. Identifying the symptoms and warning signs of depression and anxiety disorders is critical, particularly in vulnerable populations like adolescents.