Prevalence of Depression Among Medical Students at Al-Mustansiriyah University and Al-Iraqia University

Abstract

Globally, mental health among undergraduate students is recognized as a crucial public health concern. University students experience substantial academic and familial pressures, leading to significant psychological stress that may develop into serious mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The study aims to determine the prevalence of depression among medical students at Al-Mustansiriyah University and Al-Iraqia University, College of Medicine, to identify any association between depression and academic year level. And to examine the correlation between depression and selected socio-demographic factors. A cross-sectional online survey using Google Forms was conducted among medical students from the first to the sixth year at Al-Iraqia University and Al-Mustansiriyah University, College of Medicine. The survey was disseminated via academic online platforms between January 22 and 26, 2024, to assess the prevalence of depression among medical students at these institutions.

A total of 627 medical students from both universities participated in the study, with 404 (64.4%) being female and 223 (35.6%) male. The highest prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed among first-year (26.8%), fourth-year (21.9%), and sixth-year (24.1%) students. Depression was significantly more prevalent among female students (65.8%). Depression is a significant mental health issue among medical students at Al-Mustansiriyah University and Al-Iraqia University, College of Medicine. The study found a strong association between depression and factors such as academic year, gender, age, and residence. It is recommended to implement mental health support programs tailored to medical students, considering these factors.