Mental health of occupational therapy students: scoping review

This study focuses on the mental health of undergraduate occupational therapy students through a scoping review, guided by the question: How does the scientific literature deal with issues related to the mental health of occupational therapy students? The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyzes extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist was used. Empirical and theoretical studies, published in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese were included, with no determined time frame. The survey of the studies was carried out in the databases Scopus, Redalyc, Google Scholar, in the Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, resulting in the analysis of 15 studies. The content analysis of the articles delineated nuclei of meaning that indicated the performance of practical activities and the immersion of the student in the internship field as sources of stress and psychological suffering. In addition, studies indicate that occupational therapy students are more affected in their mental health, compared to students from other areas of health. The importance of investigating the causes underlying this student's psychological distress is emphasized, in addition to the need to consider variables such as gender and socioeconomic situation. It is considered that the study will contribute to the planning of strategies for the promotion of mental health, prevention of psychological distress, and care for these students, in addition to measures aimed at keeping this student at the university and concluding his course with quality.