scholarly journals Anxiety, Depression and Academic Performance: A Study Amongst Portuguese Medical Students Versus Non-Medical Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 454 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Moreira de Sousa ◽  
Cátia A. Moreira ◽  
Diogo Telles-Correia

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Portuguese medical students compared to students of other faculties, and the possible impact those symptoms have on academic performance.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 750 students: 512 medical students and 238 nonmedical students. All students anonymously completed a socio-demographic survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation coefficient or Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: We found a prevalence of 21.5% (n = 161) for anxiety symptoms and 3.7% (n = 28) for depressive symptoms. Being a medical student was more significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.034) compared with other students. Depressive symptoms were slightly associated with poor academic performance (p < 0.01). A percentage of 59.6% (n = 96) of students with anxiety symptoms and 46.4% (n = 13) of students with depressive symptoms did not seek medical or psychological care at that time.Discussion: Medical students in this sample seem to have more symptoms of anxiety, possibly explained by a higher number of female students in that sample. Depressive symptoms could be associated with poor academic performance in both groups, but an evident correlation was not established.Conclusion: Considering the high levels of anxiety symptoms, the possible impact of depressive symptoms in academic performance and the lack of psychiatric or psychological follow-up reported in this study, it is urgent to develop adequate means of support to improve students’ well-being and mental health.

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e018978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina B Dillon ◽  
Elaine McMahon ◽  
Grace O’Regan ◽  
Ivan J Perry

ObjectiveTo examine the compositional effects of physical behaviour on mental health.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA population-representative random sample (Mitchelstown cohort) was recruited from a large primary care centre in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland.ParticipantsIn total 3807 potential participants were selected from the practice list. Following exclusion of duplicates, deaths and ineligibles, 3043 were invited to participate and of these, 2047 (49.2% men) completed the questionnaire and physical examination components of the baseline assessment during the study period (April 2010 and May 2011). Accelerometers were introduced into the study in January 2011. Of the 745 participants seen between January and May of 2011, 475 (44.6% men) subjects (response rate 64%) agreed to participate and of these 397 (46.1% men) had valid accelerometer data.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants wore the wrist GENEActiv accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data were summarised into 60 s epochs and activity categorised as sedentary behaviour, light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 well-being scale.ResultsIn adjusted isotemporal models, a 30 min increase in light activity per day was associated with a significant decrease in levels of anxiety symptoms (B=−0.34; 95% CI −0.64 to −0.04) and a significant increase in levels of well-being (B=0.58; 95% CI 0.05 to 1.11). No statistically significant associations were observed between any physical behaviour and depressive symptoms or when sedentary behaviour was substituted with MVPA (P>0.05).ConclusionAlthough based on a cross-sectional study, the findings suggest that substituting light activity for sedentary behaviour may have positive associations with symptoms of anxiety and reported well-being among middle-aged adults.


Author(s):  
Benedict Francis ◽  
Jesjeet Gill ◽  
Ng Yit Han ◽  
Chiara Petrus ◽  
Fatin Azhar ◽  
...  

Medical students are vulnerable to depression and anxiety due to the nature of their academic life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among medical students and the association between religious coping, religiosity and socio-demographic factors with anxiety and depressive symptoms. A cross sectional design was used for this study. Scales used were the Malay version of the Duke Religious Index (DUREL-M), the Malay version of the Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief RCOPE) and the Malay version Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-M). 622 students participated in this study. They scored moderately on the organized (mean: 3.51) and non-organized religious (mean: 3.85) subscales of the DUREL, but had high intrinsic religiosity (mean: 12.18). The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 4.7% and 17.4% respectively, which is lower than local as well as international data. Islam, negative religious coping and the presence of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Only the presence of anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Negative religious coping, rather than positive religious coping, has significant association with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Redirecting focus towards negative religious coping is imperative to boost mental health outcomes among medical students.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shila Rani Das ◽  
Chinmay Biswas

Background: Medical students are in a huge pressure due to their academic syllabus. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between anxiety and academic performance among private medical college.Methodology: This cross sectional study was done in private medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh and 3rd and 4th year medical student were included. Data was   collected by using semi structured Socio-demographic questionnaire and Burn Anxiety Inventory scale and Checklist. Finally all data and results were analyzed using latest version of SPSS software. For descriptive statistics means, medians, SD and range will be calculated as required. Data will be presented in frequency table, bar, pie and scattered diagram as per need.  Statistical test chi-square test were used and p<0.05 was consider to be statistically significant.Results: A total number of 200 medical students were studied after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them 87.0% were Muslim; 98.0% were unmarried; 83.0% were in nuclear family; family member of 42.5% respondents had 4 to 6 persons; monthly income of 64.7% respondents were less than 50,000 Taka; 47.0% of the respondents’ father occupation was businessman. In 1st profession examination 68.0% in Anatomy, 73% in Physiology, 76% in Biochemistry were passed in anatomy. In 1st professional exam, students suffered from moderate to extreme anxiety were passed 78% and referred 22% as well as suffered from minimal to mild anxiety were passed 43% and referred 57% in Physiology. So there was strong association between the two variables (p<0.05).Conclusion: Three fifth of the students are suffered from moderate anxiety level and those who are suffered moderate to extreme anxiety passed more and their class attendance are good.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2018;5(2):68-72


Author(s):  
Anjan Datta ◽  
Kaushik Nag ◽  
Nabarun Karmakar ◽  
Tamal Chakrabarty ◽  
Kaushik Tripura ◽  
...  

Background: Sleep deprivation may have grave health consequences; resulting in increasing disease morbidity and mortality. Sleep disturbance have also been affected academic performance of medical students. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of sleep disturbance and association between sleep disturbance and academic performance of medical students, if any.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in the month of March 2018 among 203 medical students of Tripura Medical College and Dr. B.R.A.M. Teaching Hospital. Probability Proportionate to Sample Size (PPS) was used to determine the number of students required from each semester. Students selected by simple random sampling from each semester were interviewed by a pre-designed, pre-tested interview schedule designed based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data was represented in percentages in tables, charts and Chi square test was applied. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Mean age of the medical student was 21.36±1.96 years. Present study showed, 57% students were complaining of disturbed sleep. Students who felt sleepy during daytime (72.4%) were struggling more during exam compared to students not feeling sleepy (51.7%), which was statistically significant. Study revealed, students who got average mark in last semester exam were most affected with disturbed sleep (66.3%) followed by students who got good marks (53.5%) and poor marks (50%).Conclusions: Prevalence of sleep disturbance was very high among medical students. Male students were much more affected compared to female students. Sleep disturbance has also affected academic performance of students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mubashir Zafar ◽  
Eltigani Osman Musa Omer ◽  
Mohamed Elfatih Hassan ◽  
Khalid Ansari

Background — Sleep disorder is a common problem amongst medical students. The objective of this study is to determine the association of sleep disorder with academic performances among medical students in Sudan. Methods — A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 199 medical students were selected through simple random sampling techniques. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to assess the sleep pattern and daytime sleepiness respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of sleep disorder with academic performance. Results — Majority of the students (82.5%) suffered poor sleep quality and 56.5% were suffered from severe day time sleepiness. All the characteristics of sleep quality were associated with poor academic performance but only sleep duration, use of sleep medication, global PSQI score and day time sleepiness were a statistically significant association with poor academic performance. Conclusion — A high prevalence of sleep disorder and its associated with poor academic performance was found in medical students. There is a need for a formulation of policies to address the factors which affect sleep of students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asres Bedaso ◽  
Jon Adams ◽  
Wenbo Peng ◽  
David Sibbritt

Abstract Background Pregnancy is a time for women in which the need for social support is crucial. Social support reduces stressors and improves the emotional and physical well-being of pregnant women. Women receiving low social support during pregnancy are at risk of substances use, developing mental illness, and adverse birth outcomes. The current study aims to determine the prevalence and determinants of low social support during pregnancy among Australian women. Methods Data were obtained from the 1973–1978 cohort of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) and those who report being pregnant (n = 493) were included in the current analyses. Social support was assessed using Medical Outcomes Study Social Support index (MOSS). A logistic regression model was applied to identify determinants of low social support, separately for each MOSS domain. Result The study found that 7.1% (n = 35) of pregnant women reported low social support. Significant determinants of low emotional support were non-partnered (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.27, 14.99), difficulty managing on available income (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.32), experiencing depressive symptoms (AOR = 8.5, 95% CI: 3.29, 22.27) and anxiety symptoms (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.26, 7.03). Significant determinants of low affectionate support were suffering from depressive symptoms (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 1.59, 17.99), having anxiety symptoms (AOR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.21, 22.11) and being moderately/very stressed (AOR: 3, 95% CI: 1.17, 7.89). Significant determinants of low tangible support were difficulty managing available income (AOR = 3, 95% CI: 1.29, 6.95), and being depressed (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.48, 5.34). Conclusion The study revealed that 7.1% of pregnant women reported low social support. Having a mental health problems, being stressed, being from low socio-economic status and being non-partnered were significant determinants of low social support during pregnancy. Maternal health professionals and policymakers can use this information to screen pregnant women at risk of receiving low social support and improve the level of support being provided.


2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosana Denobile Serra ◽  
Sandra Lopes Mattos e Dinato ◽  
Marcos Montani Caseiro

ABSTRACT Objective Ascertain the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in medical students, considering data in the literature that indicate higher vulnerability to emotional disorders in this population. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample of 657 (98%) students. The instruments used were: questionnaire of socioeconomic-demographic characteristics, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results Predominance of the female gender (61%), aged between 17 and 30 years (98%), Catholic religion (64.2%) from the city of São Paulo (40.7%) and other cities in the state (35.7%); 30% presented depressive symptoms and 21% anxiety symptoms. Female students had higher scores both for depression (34.8%) and for anxiety (26.8%). As regards the course year, the highest rates were found in the 5th year (40.7%) for depression and in the 2nd year for anxiety (28.8%). Conclusion The data obtained in this study (30%) agreed with the literature regarding the prevalence of depressive symptoms in medical students, but this index was higher compared to the population in general (15.1% to 16.8%), and related to people in São Paulo city (18.5%). Concerning anxiety the rates found were slightly lower than those in specific literature but higher than those in literature for the population in general (8% to 18%) and in city São Paulo (16.8%). These indices indicate that the school of medicine may play a role as a predisposing and/or triggering factor in some students. The results suggest that more attention should be directed to 5th year students, who are beginning the internship period.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishan Babu Pokhrel ◽  
Ramesh Khadayat ◽  
Pratikchya Tulachan

Abstract Background Medical students and residents were found to have suffered from depression, anxiety, and burnout in various studies. However, these entities have not been adequately explored in the context of Nepal. We proposed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, burnout, their associated factors, and identify their predictors in a sample of medical students and residents in a Nepalese medical school.Methods It was a cross-sectional study with 651 medical students and residents chosen at random between December 2018 and February 2019. The validated Nepali version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and Medical Students' Stressor Questionnaire were used to assess depression, anxiety, burnout, and stressors respectively. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify the correlation of predictor variables with depression, anxiety, and burnout.Results The overall prevalence of burnout (48.8%; 95% CI 44.9-52.7) and anxiety (45.3%; 95% CI 41.4-49.2) was more than that of depression (31%; 95% CI 27.5-34.7). Burnout and depression were more prevalent in residents than in medical students (64.5% and 33.7% versus 37.6% and 29.1% respectively). Whereas, medical students were found more anxious than residents (46.3% versus 43.96%). Academic related stressors caused high-grade stress to participants. Multivariable model for depression significantly showed anxiety and personal burnout as risk enhancing correlates; satisfaction with academic performance as a protective correlate. Similarly, the multivariate model for anxiety significantly identified female gender, depression, personal burnout, patient-related burnout, teaching and learning related stressors, and past history of mental illness as risk enhancing correlates; being satisfied with academic performance, getting adequate sleep, being an intern or a resident and less frequent involvement in extracurricular activities as protective correlates. The logistic model for burnout significantly showed depression, anxiety, being a first-year resident, drive and desire related stressors and a rare/never involvement in extracurricular activities as positive predictors.Conclusions A high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and burnout was seen among medical students and residents. Most of them were stressed with academic-related factors. A strong correlation between teaching and learning-related stressors with anxiety may be a call for an efficient and more student-friendly curriculum.


2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
Ijaz Ali ◽  
Ommia Kalsoom ◽  
Syed Asif Jahanzeb Kazmi ◽  
Tahir Ahmad Munir ◽  
Zanib Qayyum ◽  
...  

Objective: Objective of this study was to determine internet addiction and its impact on mental health and academic performance in medical students. Methodology: One hundred medical students (male: 50, female: 50) aged 18–21 years were selected by convenience sampling in this cross-sectional study in Mahi-ud-din Islamic Medical college Mirpur AJK. A questionnaire of Young’s internet addiction test was used to identify the prevalence of Internet addiction, the purposes of Internet use, and their priority levels. Frequencies and level of mental health was measured using Mental health Battery by Singh and Gupta. Chi square test was applied and p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 100 students, 46 (male: 28, female: 18) were found to be slightly addicted, 53 students were average online users and only 01 male was severely addicted. There was no significant difference between male and female students in addiction level. However, males were more addicted than females. The major use of Internet was to communicate with friends and family and to watch songs and movies. 51 students used the Internet to assess information for their educational and learning activities. Some students with overuse of the Internet lead to insufficient sleep and affected their concentration levels in the class. Conclusion: Medical students experiencing problems due to Internet overuse and experiencing poor academic progress and lack of concentration while studying. The main use of the Internet was to communicate with friends and family and for entertainment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-89
Author(s):  
Rosida Jelani ◽  
Siti Khuzaimah Ahmad Sharoni

Menopause is a normal development in women’s lives. Having depressive symptoms during the menopausal transition can be managed, and in many health conditions, religiosity may play an important role in reducing the severity. The objective of this study was to determine menopausal, depressive symptoms and religiosity among women attending the Gynaecology Clinic in a Public Hospital. A cross-sectional study was done at Hospital Sungai Buloh involving 232 women aged 40-60 years from January 2020 to March 2020. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the Centre for Epidemiology Studies-Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R), the Duke Religious Index (DUREL) and socio-demographic data were used as research tools in this study. The respondents were categorised as premenopausal (n=98, 42.2%), perimenopausal (n=81, 34.9%) and postmenopausal (n=53, 22.8%). The highest percentage of menopausal symptoms were muscle discomfort (56.5%), sleeping problems and lethargy (54.3%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 19.2%, and the results showed that unmarried women were more depressed compared to married women (p<0.05). The overall religiosity level of respondents was high (23.09±2.52). The logistic regression analysis showed that as urogenital problems arise, their depressive symptoms will also increase (p<0.05). Women who are transitioning to menopause should be assessed continuously for the severity of urogenital problems as it can impact their psychological and emotional well-being, and depressive symptoms should be assessed thoroughly especially among unmarried women.


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