BACKGROUND:
Depression, anxiety, and stress represent major public health concerns, with consistent evidence showing that women report higher prevalence and severity of internalizing mental health symptoms compared to men. Recent epidemiological research highlights marked gender disparities in the burden of anxiety and depression across diverse populations, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive public health strategies (1).

METHODS:
A cross-sectional analysis evaluated mental health outcomes, lifestyle behaviors (sleep quality, alcohol and tobacco use, physical activity), and body image perception among 1,050 students enrolled in health-related degree programs in Chile. Gender-stratified analyses and multivariable regression models were used to explore associations.

RESULTS:
Women showed significantly higher prevalence of moderate and severe depression (42.5% and 28.6%), stress (80.7%), and anxiety (75.5%) compared to men (p < 0.005). Poor sleep quality was more frequent among women (53.8% vs. 42.8%), while sedentary behavior was also more prevalent in women (73.9% vs. 48.7%). Risky alcohol consumption was more common in women, whereas current smoking was higher among men. Body image misperception was not significantly associated with anxiety or stress in either sex. Among women, underestimation of body image was associated with a higher likelihood of moderate depression, although no association was observed for severe depression.

CONCLUSIONS:
Women experience a disproportionately higher burden of mental health symptoms and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Body image perception plays a limited role in mental health outcomes, while sleep quality and smoking emerge as key modifiable risk factors.