CORRELATION BETWEEN ANXIETY AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN MEDICAL STUDENTS AT THE CENTRO UNIVERSITÁRIO PRESIDENTE ANTÔNIO CARLOS

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is prevalent among university students and is associated with stress, anxiety, and the search for relief, which may result in academic and functional impairments. Among medical students, emotional burden and academic pressure make this association relevant. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between anxiety and excessive alcohol consumption in medical students at the Centro Universitário Presidente Antônio Carlos. Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted through the application of a questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the AUDIT. The correlation between anxiety and alcohol consumption was analyzed using Pearson and Spearman coefficients. Results: A predominance of low levels of anxiety and alcohol consumption was observed. However, participants presented moderate and severe anxiety, as well as problematic alcohol use. A higher frequency of anxiety was observed among women and individuals with lower income. The correlation between anxiety and alcohol consumption was positive, with low magnitude. Discussion: The findings indicate that alcohol consumption seems to be more related to social factors within the university environment than to the coping of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The association between anxiety and excessive alcohol consumption was weak, reinforcing the multifactorial nature of this behavior and the importance of strategies aimed at promoting mental health and preventing problematic alcohol use.