Factors Associated with Health Anxiety in Medical Students at a Private University in Lima, Peru

Abstract

Introduction: There are few studies that examine the factors associated with the different levels of health anxiety in medical students. The objective was to determine the factors associated with the levels of health anxiety in medical students in 2018. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 657 medical students from a private Peruvian university. Participants answered a questionnaire from which information was collected regarding levels of health anxiety (SHAI). For the analysis, linear regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted betas, and their 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean health anxiety score was 14 ± 6.7. An association between health anxiety and the year of study is reported, with the second year showing the highest scores. In addition, an association between health anxiety and smoking is highlighted, as there are higher levels in occasional smokers, as well as a weak inverse correlation with age. No association was found with sex, place of birth, or having a first-degree relative that is a doctor or health worker. Conclusions: The present study showed that age, year of studies and smoking are associated with health anxiety levels. More studies are required, especially of a longitudinal nature.