Prevalência do medo de perder e sua associação com transtornos mentais em universitários

Abstract

To verify the prevalence of Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO - fear of losing gratifying experiences) in university students and to identify associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted from April to August 2021, in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, with an online questionnaire on sociodemographic, health, behavior and self-perception characteristics about the use of social networks, made available to university students through of invitation published on social networks. The statistical analysis included the description of the sample, the verification of the outcome according to aspects related to the use of social networks (Pearson's chi-square, admitting 5% of type I error). The variables associated with the outcome were verified by Poisson Regression, including bivariate analysis (crude prevalence ratios and their 95CI) and multivariate backward stepwise analysis, with robust variance for clusters (adjusted prevalence ratios and their 95CI). Results: In the sample (n=491), the prevalence of FOMO was 62.7% (95CI 58.4-67.0), with a statistically significant difference in relation to the gender variables (PR=1.21; 1.03-1.41), skin color (PR=0.97; 95CI 0.94-0.99), use of anxiolytic/antidepressant medications (PR=1.11; 1.09-1.12) and depression (RP=1.53; 1.33-1.76). Conclusions: Approximately two thirds of college students suffer from FOMO, being more prevalent in women, among users of anxiolytic/antidepressant medications and among those who have depressive symptoms, and a lower prevalence was observed among those with white skin color. Thus, it is important that health professionals pay attention to this prevalence, aiming to guide them in the proper use of social networks, as well as prescribing treatment consistent with this condition.