Influencia de la condición de foráneo, apoyo social y motivación académica, sobre la prevalencia de la depresión en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Loja - Ecuador, durante el año 2026

Abstract

Abstract: Depression is a mental health issue affecting university students, including those living away from home, who face academic, social, and emotional adjustments that can impact their psychological well-being. The objective of study was to analyze the influence of living away from home, social support, and academic motivation on depression among students at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja in 2026; a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive-correlational study was conducted. Of the 100 students, 8 were excluded for not consenting to participate, resulting in a final sample of 92 students; the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the MOS Social Support Survey, and the Academic Motivation Scale (EMA) were administered. Minimal and mild depression, favorable levels of social support, and high academic motivation predominated. Amotivation showed a significant positive relationship with depression, whereas emotional and informational support and positive social interaction were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. It is concluded that strengthening social support and academic motivation promotes the mental health of students living away from home.