Depression, anxiety and stress levels among medical students in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Sunil D. Kumar; Kavitha H. S.; Praveen Kulkarni; Hugara Siddalingappa; Renuka Manjunath

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20151591

Authors

Sunil D. Kumar Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysore
Kavitha H. S. Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysore
Praveen Kulkarni Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysore
Hugara Siddalingappa Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysore
Renuka Manjunath Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20151591

Keywords:

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Medical students

Abstract

Background: Medical College is recognized as a stressful environment that often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health and psychological wellbeing of the student. The objective of the study was to assess the depression, anxiety and stress levels among the medical students by using DASS. To compare the depression, anxiety and stress levels among the medical students.

Methods:The cross sectional study was conducted in JSS medical college and Mysore Medical College of Mysore city. All the students studying in first year and final year MBBS who had spent more than six months in the medical college and willing to participate in the study were included. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), was used to assess the levels of depression, anxiety and stress among medical students.

Results: Among 332 students enrolled in the study, majority 213 (64.1%) were in the age group of 17-20 years, 193 (55.0%) were females and 215 (64.8%) were studying in second term. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were found to be 124 (37.3%), 168 (50.6%) and 109 (32.8%) respectively. Most of the students were having mild degree of depression, anxiety and stress.

Conclusions:Prevalence of mental health problems like depression, anxiety and stress were more than 30% among medical students. As majority of the students were having milder degrees of illnesses they need to be addressed immediately before they manifest into severe forms.

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