A cross sectional study on depression, anxiety and their associated factors among medical students in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The goal of medical education is to train knowledgeable, competent and professional physicians to care for the nation's sick, advance the science of medicine and promote public health. 1 Medical colleges are recognized as a stressful environment that often exert a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health and psychological well-being with a high frequency of depression, anxiety, stress and even attrition from medical course. Yet it's often hard for all to see the sad faces behind the white coats. Depression is highly common and according to WHO by 2020, it would be the second-most prevalent condition worldwide. 2 Failure to detect these disorders unfortunately leads to increase psychological morbidity with unwanted effects throughout their careers and lives. 3,4 A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. 5 ABSTRACT Background: Medical College is recognized as a stressful environment that often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health and psychological wellbeing of the student. Depression and anxiety among medical students is an area of increasing concern worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and its associated factors among medical students in Jhansi, India. Methods: : A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students from the first to fourth year of medical college, Jhansi by using random sampling method. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic variables, factors inducing depression and anxiety was administered on the sampled population. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used to assess the level of depression and anxiety. Data obtained were collected and analyzed statistically by simple proportions and chi-square test. Results: The overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was found to be 64%. Among those with anxiety and depression, a majority (73%) had mild and moderate degree of depression. The study showed that females (63%) were more depressed in comparison to male (54%). The prevalence of depression was comparatively more among first year medical students (61%). The prevalence was significantly more among those with family problems, using substance abuse, staying in hostel and having family history of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression and anxiety is high among medical students. This study suggests that there are certain risk factors other than academic stressors which predispose a medical student to psychological morbidity such as anxiety and depression. Hence there is a need for early screening and psychiatric counselling of this vulnerable population.