Publication: Predictors of Depression and Anxiety among Medical Students
Date
2023
Authors
Thapa, Bipin
Sapkota, Suman
Khanal, Anil
Aryal, Binod Kumar
Hu, Yifei
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Health Research Council
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Medical undergraduates are more prone to emotional distress in comparison to the general population and non-medical undergraduates. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among undergraduate medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 medical students in a medical institute in Kathmandu. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-42 was used to identify the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms. The data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models.
Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was 30.9% and 38.7% respectively. Depression symptoms were more likely to be prevalent among fourth and fifth-year students, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.03-3.75) compared to second and third-year students, and those who failed in the last academic examination (aOR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.28-5.09). Anxiety symptoms were more prevalent among male students (aOR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.04-4.27), those who were from the relatively less advantaged ethnic group (aOR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.04-4.16) and those who stayed outside the dormitory (aOR 2.90, 95% CI: 1.46-5.78).
Conclusions: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among medical students was high. Psychological support is needed to ensure the mental well-being of medical students.
Keywords: Anxiety; DASS-42; depression; medical students.
Description
Bipin Thapa
Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
Suman Sapkota
Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
Anil Khanal
Department of Research and Development, Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal
Binod Kumar Aryal
Ministry of Health and Population, Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal
Yifei Hu
Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China