Characteristics of Depression in Second Year Medical Students: A study in Bangkok
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses that decrease quality of life in medical students worldwide. This article focuses on depression in Thai second-year medical students; whose learning environment is different from those in clinical years; and aim to contribute to proper interventions of depression in second-year medical students.
OBJECTIVES: (1) To find prevalence of depression in second year medical students (2) To find associated factors of depression in second year medical students
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Thai version was applied to explore prevalence of depression in second year medical students. The selected associated factors, including interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, and self-esteem were determined using peer and family relationship questionnaire, Thai version of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) and Thai version of Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, respectively. Analysis was done using risk estimation by applying a contingency table and univariate logistic regression.
RESULTS: Among 275 second year medical students participating in this study, 71 (25.8%) had positive screening for depression. Four associated factors were significantly correlated with lower PHQ-9 scores. These factors included (1) a personal counselor or peer support (OR=0.40, 95%CI [0.21,0.75], p=0.004); (2) a good family relationship (β=-0.05, p=0.002); (3) a higher score in the Thai version of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) (β=-0.12, p<0.01); and (4) autonomy in the medical student’s decision to study medicine (OR=0.36, 95%CI [0.16,0.83], p=0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression among Thai second year medical students were higher than that of the general population (18.4%). Several factors were associated with a lower PHQ-9 score, including having a personal counselor or peer support, autonomy in their decision to study medicine, having a good family relationship, and having mindful thoughts.
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