Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress (By DASS 42 Scoring System) among the undergraduate students of Sahiwal Medical College.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to observe the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate MBBS students of Sahiwal Medical College Sahiwal stratified by their gender, class and residences. Study Design: Cross-sectional Survey. Setting: Sahiwal Medical College Sahiwal. Period: 15^th March, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Material & Methods: A validated questionnaire was distributed through Whatsapp to different students of all the five MBBS classes. The online survey was done because of countrywide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) accomplished by 209 students. Results: Depression, anxiety and stress levels of temperate to severe range were found in 48.30, 59.80 and 44.40% of our study group, respectively. Depression was more prevalent in male students (62.50%) while anxiety and stress totals were greater amongst female students (69.40% and 63.60% respectively). First- and final-year students had high prevalence of depression (71.00% and 72.40% respectively) and stress (64.50% and 72.40% respectively) while first year and 2^nd year students were more prevalent with anxiety (77.40% and 79.60% respectively) then the others. Hostel residents were found to be high in depression (61.50%) while day scholars were having greater prevalence rates of anxiety and stress (70.40% each). Students who were pleased with their training had lesser depression, anxiety and stress scores than individuals who were not contented. Conclusions: The increased prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress signs amongst college students is disturbing. This displays the necessity for major and ancillary preventive actions, by the improvement of suitable and fitting support facilities for this group.