PSYCHOMETRIC VALIDATION AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF INSTRUMENTS FOR THE DETECTION OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Abstract

Mental health among university students is a growing global concern, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and stress, affecting well-being and academic performance. This context highlights the need for reliable psychometric tools for early detection, emphasizing the DASS-21 Scale and the PHQ-9, both culturally adapted and validated in various Latin American countries. The study includes a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the validity, reliability, and adaptations of these instruments in health sciences students in Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, confirming their effectiveness for assessing negative emotional symptoms. Additionally, it reviews institutional and pedagogical interventions implemented post-pandemic, covering promotion, prevention, clinical care, and educational adjustments to improve mental health at universities. Although universities have advanced in both in-person and digital psychological services, limitations remain in resources, coverage, and teacher training. The importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and culturally sensitive programs involving the entire university community and social actors to address these issues is emphasized. In conclusion, the ongoing validation of instruments such as DASS-21 and PHQ-9 is crucial for the effective detection of emotional disorders. It is recommended to strengthen psychological resources, promote mental health training for faculty and staff, and consolidate the structural integration of emotional well-being in higher education to favor comprehensive student development and overcome barriers such as stigma and institutional unpreparedness.