Family Functionality as a Factor Associated with Anxiety Disorders in Medical Students

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between family functionality and anxiety disorders in medical students at a private university in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 288 students who completed the Beck Anxiety Test (BAI) to measure anxiety levels and Family APGAR to assess family functionality. Results showed significantly higher anxiety levels in women (11.03% moderate anxiety, 7.24% severe anxiety) compared to men (3.45% moderate, 1.72% severe). Regarding family functionality, 8.97% of women and 7.93% of men with severe family dysfunction presented high anxiety levels. Students aged 23-27 reported higher rates of severe anxiety (2.76%) and severe family dysfunction (6.90%) than the 18-22 group (1.72% and 4.83% respectively). The correlation between family functionality and anxiety was significant (rho=0.47, P<0.01). These findings underscore the importance of family functionality in medical students' mental health, suggesting that those in dysfunctional family environments are more likely to experience anxiety.