Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression in Medical Students at Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital
Kolkijkovin V, MD1, Phutathum S, MEd2, Natetaweewat N3, Joodthong P3, Phaisanwongdee P3, Nateetaweewat P3, Jantarawattanawanich A3
Affiliation : 1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Education and Student Affairs, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand 3 Third Year Medical Student, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To study prevalence and associated factors of depression in medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital.
Materials and Methods : This was a cross-sectional survey study in medical students from year 1 to year 6. The survey included
general demographic data and factors associated with depression. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Thai version was used
to assess depressive symptoms. Statistical tools including descriptive statistics, Chi-square and multiple logistic regression, were
used.
Results : A total of 298 medical students from year 1 to year 6 were included in the present study. One hundred and fifty-five (52%)
subjects were female. Prevalence of depression was 91 (30.5%). Suicidal ideation was 12.8%. Prevalence of depression and suicidal
ideation were highest in fourth year medical students which were 37.5% and 20.8%, respectively. In multivariate analyses factors
associated with depression were pessimism; sometimes [odds ratio (OR) = 6.48; 95% confident interval (CI)] = 1.83 to 22.96; p =
0.004] and often (OR = 8.86; 95% CI = 1.34 to 58.31; p = 0.023), family relationship (OR = 8.07; 95% CI = 2.49 to 26.09; p<0.001),
inadequate sleep (OR = 3.35; 95% CI = 1.71 to 6.56; p<0.001) and psychological abuse (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.43 to 4.56; p = 0.001).
Conclusion : Prevalence of depression in medical students of Urban University was high at 30.5%. Associated factors with depression
were pessimism, family relationship, inadequate sleep and psychological abuse. Surveillance and early detection are indicated to
prevent further impact.
Keywords : Depression, Medical students, Associated factors, Urban
