Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Undergraduate

Abstract

Background: Medical students are usually subjected to intense academic and emotional demands, which predispose them to psychological distress. Their well-being and academic performance are negatively impacted by depression, anxiety, and stress, which are now major concerns.

Objective: To find out prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate medical students by using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students using an anonymous online questionnaire that included the DASS-21 scale. The voluntary participation was estimated to be 349-350 students. Descriptive statistics in distributions were analyzed to assess patterns of psychological distress in the domains of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results: Stress-related symptoms were the most prevalent group of signs, with difficulty in relaxing, irritability and agitation, and excessive nervous energy standing out as the most prevalent among the respondents. Anxiety manifestations like palpitations, trembling, breathlessness, and fear of panic were also common. Symptoms of depression, such as low mood, lack of enthusiasm, and reduction in positive affect, are also present but only at moderate levels. Psychological distress was predominant, with stress being the major domain with manifestations observed in most of the cases, followed by anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: levels of psychological distress are exhibit substantially in undergraduate medical students, including academic pressure, anxiety related to their performance and emotional exhaustion. It is necessary to have routine mental health screening and institutional support mechanisms in place to promote the mental well-being of students.