Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression Among Medical Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Depression is a mental disorder in which low mood usually accompanies the low selfesteem, loss of interest, low energy or insomnia. Among medical students it is a growing problem worldwide and has far
reaching effects upon the students and the healthcare system. Higher suicide rates are associated with depression
among medical students than in the general population, more common among females.The study aims to determine to
determine prevalence of depression and associated factors among the medical students of Quaid-e-Azam Medical
College, Bahawalpur.
Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted Quaid-e-Azam medical college, Bahawalpur during
April 2024 to September 2024. The sample Size was 280 calculated by Raosoft calculator. After obtaining informed
consent data was collected using a preformed online questionnaire using Phq 9 scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS
software version 26. The frequencies were calculated and tables and figures were made. Chi square test of significance
was applied.
Results: Among 280 students, 35.7% had mild depression, 30.7% minimal depression. Moderate depression was 25%,
while moderately severe and severe depression were 10% and 7% respectively. Females had higher levels of moderate
and severe depression. The final year students suffered the highest levels of depression and significant associations
between depression and gender, family history, higher use of social media were found (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Most of the students had mild depression, more prevalent among females and final year students.
Depression was significantly related to gender, family history, higher use of social media.
KEY WORDS: Depression, Academic Stress, Family History.