Prevalence of probable depression and anxiety in medical students of the National University of Rosario, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: Depression and anxiety affect students on an academic and personal level. Compared to the population, college students seem to show a higher prevalence of both disorders. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and associated risk factors in a sample of medical students. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive and analytical study, through closed surveys; from 04/02/19 to 04/10/19. Sociodemographic variables were collected, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 tests were performed, and probable anxiety and depression were defined with cut-off points ≥10 for each test. Data was analyzed using SPSS V21. Results:1165 surveys were included. 56% had probable anxiety and 57.8% probable depression. The risk factors for probable anxiety were female sex (p=0.002; OR:1.09; 95%CI=1.03-1.16), first year (p=0.002; OR:1.2; 95%CI=1.08-1.35), being a foreigner (p=0.005; OR:1.22; 95%CI=1.08-1.39), living alone (p=0.026; OR:1.14;95%CI=1.02-1.27) and working (p=0.045; OR:1.17;95%CI=1.02-1.34). There is a probable anxiety and depression comorbidity of 80.7% (p<0.001; OR:3.07;95%CI=2.62-3.59). The risk factors for probable depression were female sex (p<0.001; OR:1.12;95%CI=1.1-1.2), freshmen (p=0.014; OR:1.15;95%CI=1.04-1.29) and being a foreigner (p<0.001; OR:1.27;95%CI=1.13-1.43).  Conclusion: Half of the population studied could present anxiety and/  or depression. Women, freshmen, foreigners and those who live alone have a higher risk of both diseases.