Presence of gender difference in depression, anxiety and stress scores among the allied health sciences students-a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the gender differences in depression, anxiety and stress among the undergraduate allied health sciences students as few studies exist on stress assessment in allied health sciences students that bring out the gender differences in stress, depression, and anxiety. This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on the first-and secondyear students of 18-22 years of age after obtaining informed consent and Institutional ethical clearance. DASS questionnaire was used to assess the depression, anxiety and stress levels in the Allied health sciences students and to find out the existence of difference of scores in the male and female students. In the present study, a significantly high percentage of male students had higher scores in depression, anxiety and stress compared to the female students. Our study highlights the need for implementation of effective counseling and relaxation techniques in order to decrease their stress level, to enhance their academic and clinical performance.