Prevalence of depression among students at Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan.

Abstract

Background: Anxiety and depression affects the performance of an individual very badly. The medical students
are subjected to many stresses during their education at medical schools.
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the frequency of depression among medical students at various
levels of their MBBS course.
Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical College,
Rahim Yar Khan. A sample of three hundred (300) students (150 males and 150 females) was chosen by stratified systemic random sampling technique. The age ranged form 18 to 24 years. Agha Khan University Anxiety
and Depression Scale was used to assess the depression among students. The students having score >20 were
labeled as having depression. A specially designed questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed
on SPSS version 16.0.
Results: Out of 300 participants 84 (19%) fulfilled the depression criteria while 216 (81%) scored
below 20. Frequency of depression gradually decreased from 1st Year MBBS class (30%) through 2nd Year
MBBS (26%) to 3rd Year (16%). The frequency of depression increased through 4th Year (25%) to Final Year
MBBS (36%).
Conclusion: A high prevalence of depression was witnessed among medical students. The rise in
depression scores might be due to emotional disturbance initially on entering the course that then decreased upto third year. The increase afterwards might be due to ward duties and stress of clinical work. During final year,
academic burden and anticipation of future responsibilities may be the most stressful.
Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Students, Medical College.