Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to characterize the sociodemographic and psychological aspects of university students who sought psychiatric care at a Student Support Center of a Federal University and to analyze associations between mental health issues and predisposing factors. METHODS: a retrospective analysis of 103 medical records was conducted. The statistical analysis consisted of two steps: a descriptive analysis and a predictive analysis using the Logistic Regression Model. RESULTS: the majority of the students were female. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia were the main reasons for seeking care. Students who reported having emotional difficulties that negatively impacted their studies and those who had undergone some form of health treatment showed a higher probability of experiencing anxiety symptoms. Notable correlations were found between anxiety and emotional difficulties, depression and diarrhea, and insomnia and a sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia led students to seek psychiatric care at the university. Understanding the predisposing factors for mental health issues in university students can inform care strategies and promote academic success.