Anxiety and the consumption of anxiolytics among nursing students of a public university

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed at a public nursing school in the state of São Paulo, using a quantitative approach. An evaluation was made of the incidence of anxiety among the students, their knowledge regarding anxiolytics and the consumption pattern of those drugs. Of the 308 students, 16% was using anxiolytics when the study was performed or had already used anxiolytics at some time in their lives; 35% of the later suffered from severe anxiety according to the application of the Beck’s Anxiety Inventory. Despite the guidance they received, most users referred having doubts mainly regarding the interaction of anxiolytics with other drugs, their side effects and their potential of being addictive. It is highlighted that recognizing among students and offering treatment is important, as its presence, when at high level can have a significant effect on the development of the student’s identity and his/her quality of life.

Descriptors: Anxiety; Students, Nursing; Anti-Anxiety Agents.