Prevalence of depression among medical students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression among medical students and its association with various sociodemographic characteristics. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Setting: Nishtar Medical University, Multan. Period: August 2019 to September 2020. Material & Methods: A sample of 315 medical students were chosen by stratified random sampling technique. Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used for screening and assessing the severity of depression. A special questionnaire was designed containing sociodemographic and educational characteristics. Data were collected via online forms and were analyzed using SPSS V26. Results: Out of 315 students, who participated in the study, 134 (42.5%) were female students, and 181 (57.5%) were male students. 63 (20%) students were taken from each academic year from 1st year through 5th year (final year). 64% of the students were suffering from depression. The proportion of students suffering from mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression was 27%, 18%, 11%, and 8% respectively. Depression was more prevalent among female students (73.1%) as compared to male students (58.0%) with a p-value <0.05. Conclusion: Depression is a serious problem for medical students. It was significant among female, preclinical students, living in the home with a family history of depression in financial pressure. It should be sorted out early to make early interventions.