Mental health and its influence on empathy in health science students: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Background The mental health of Health Sciences university students is an emerging concern. This could influence their empathic behavior, impacting future therapeutic relationships. It may be necessary to address this issue from their university education. Objectives Cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to describe the levels of mental health and empathy among Health Science students and analyze the influence of mental health on empathy. Methods A total of 247 Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry students from all four courses at the University of León participated. Between May to July 2023, participants completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, Global Health Questionnaire-12, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Based on Global Health Questionnaire-12 scores, two subgroups were defined: “healthy” and “possible mental disorder”. T -tests, ANOVA tests, and linear regression analysis were employed. Results 136 students (55%) constituted the possible mental disorder group. Females significantly scored higher on both scales ( p < 0.001; d = −0.48; d = −0.7 < d < −0.48, respectively). The group with a possible mental disorder obtained higher scores in the dimensions of perspective-taking, empathic concern, and personal distress. The variables most strongly explained by the Global Health Questionnaire-12 results were empathic concern and personal distress ( p < 0.05). Both increased as Global Health Questionnaire scores increased (0.29 < B > 0.41; p < 0.003; ω 2 > 0.04). Conclusions Health Sciences students, especially females, encounter heightened risk of poor mental health. Student empathy levels appear decreased. Mental health was significantly associated with empathy, particularly with personal distress. This may impact patient care, suggesting the need for policies to enhance mental health of future healthcare professionals.