Abstract

Background: Medical students are more likely to developmental disorders such as anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity as compared to other students. Mental distress can lead to poor classroom performance, poor communication, and frequent medical errors, burnout, social isolation, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, cynicism, and harm to self and others. An active coping approach such as positive framing, talking to friends, family member, leisure activities, and sport activities can reduce stress level.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were (a) to find out the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students and (b) to assess risk factors for emotional distress.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 530 MBBS student of Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College, Patan during October 2018–March 2019 after the Institutional Ethical Committee permission. A Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used to collect data on depression, anxiety, and stress. Other information such as sociodemographic, academic profile, and personal characteristics of students were collected.

Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 10.5%, 33.6%, and 38.3%, respectively, in medical students. The risk factors for emotional distress were female gender, residing at home, nuclear family, addiction, poor academic performance, less extracurricular activities, and positive family history. Joint family and strong relationship with friends were found protective against emotional distress. The prevalence of any emotional state was not affected by the number of supplementary exams, personal choice to join MBBS, and personal satisfaction with body image and life.

Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are significant hidden problems in medical students. Substance abuse, less extracurricular activities, poor relationship with friends, and positive family history are risk factors for depression. Therefore, these risk factors should be identified and interventions to reduce stress should be carried out.

Key words: Anxiety; Addiction; Depression; Stress