Psychometric Properties of Depression Anxiety and Stress in Preclinical Medical Students
Porntip Nimkuntod MD*, Naporn Uengarpon MD**, Fuangfa Benjaoran MD***, Kwanruan Pinwanna MEd****, Karakad Ratanakeereepun MEd****, Pattama Tongdee MD*****
Affiliation : * School of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand ** School of Pediatrics, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand *** School of Family and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand **** Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand ***** School of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Background : Medical education and learning outcomes might adversely affect students’ mental health in all axes depression,
anxiety, and stress. Faculty has a concern regarding the mental well-being of the medical students.
Objective : Explore the prevalence of depressive anxiety and stress symptoms, ways of coping, and their relationships to
variables among preclinical medical students.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in preclinical medical students, Suranaree
University of Technology in March 2015. Two hundred thirty medical students (First, second, and third year students) were
included and then completed the Self-administered questionnaire, The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) is a
quantitatively measured for distress along the three axes of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Results : At the beginning of the study, 230 students enrolled in the study (43.2% male). The overall response rate among
medical students was 92.61% (213/230). The prevalence of mild to moderate degree in depression, anxiety, and stress level
was 9.4%, 22.5%, and 5.6%, respectively while the prevalence of severe to extremely severe degree in depression, anxiety,
and stress level was 0.9 %, 3.2%, and 0 %, respectively. The second-year medical students exhibited the highest percentage
of depression, anxiety, and stress but there was no significant difference among depression, anxiety, and stress between
academic year in preclinical medical students. No burnout and suicidal ideation were reported by either males or females.
Conclusion : This present indicated that medical students have a low level of depression, anxiety, and stress, however, the
data is useful for further planning of prevention in psychometric risks.
Keywords : DASS-21, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Preclinical medical students
