The Prevalence of Depression in Saudi Medical Students
Theme
Trends in curriculum planning and development
Category
Curriculum planning
INSTITUTION
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University
Background
Several studies have shown higher prevalence of psychological morbidities among medical students. Depression is one of those morbidities and can affect their life, study and future career. Our objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Saudi medical students, and to know how common is.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed a high prevalence of depression among medical students. Our findings are consistent with the findings from other studies conducted in other parts of the world using different screening tools for depression.
Summary of Work
A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students both in pre-clinical and clinical phases at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. A total number of 127 male students were recruited to this study and were asked to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Out of 127 students, 120 (94%) completed the inventory, from fourth year (n= 36, 30.3%), third year (n= 25, 21.5%), second year (n=35, 29.1%), first year (n=24, 18.9%).
Take-home Messages
Since, high prevalence of depression is found in our students; therefore, early screening of the psychiatric morbidities and preventive programs should begin early in their medical program.
Acknowledgement
Summary of Results
We found high prevalence of depression in our students. Prevalence of depression was found in 49% students. Out of 49% students with depression 49% were with mild depression, 45% were with moderate depression and 6% with severe depression.
References
1. Murray CJL, Lopez AD. The Global Burden of Disease: A Comprehensive Assessment of Mortality and Disability from Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors in 1990 and Projected to 2020. Geneva, Switzerland;World Health Organization, 1996.
2. Rosal MC, Ockene IS, Ockene JK, Barrett SV, Ma Y, Hebert JR. A longitudinal study of students' depression at one medical college. Acad Med. 1997; 72: 542–6.