Saúde mental de discentes da área da saúde: revisão integrativa

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The mental health of university students, particularly in health-related courses, is a growing concern, manifested by high rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and the use of psychoactive substances. Higher education institutions play a crucial role in prevention, requiring the implementation of psychological support and strategies to promote well-being. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the mental health of higher education students in health-related courses, the impacts on their academic performance, and the strategies implemented by educational institutions to provide assistance. METHODOLOGY: An integrative literature review was conducted, searching the BVS, Google Scholar, and SciELO databases, comprising 15 studies from 2015 to 2025. RESULTS: The study revealed a prevalence of high levels of psychological distress among health-related university students, manifested in physical symptoms, decreased academic performance, dropout rates, and social impairment. Studies point to the effectiveness of institutional strategies such as psychological support and encouragement of physical activity and healthy eating in promoting well-being. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: It is concluded that the psychological distress of students in the health field is also an institutional, collective, and interdisciplinary issue that demands the adoption of structural support and prevention policies in universities.