Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental illness, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 12%, significantly impacting public health. The prevalence of depression among students in demanding fields, such as medical students, has not been thoroughly assessed.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and awareness of MDD among medical students.
Methods: First and fifth-year medical students at Nam Can Tho University were invited to participate in this study. Participants completed the PHQ-9 questionnaire via Google Forms. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design.
Result: Between May and June 2024, 593 eligible students were recruited. The mean age of participants was 22.08 ± 2,3% years, with 44,5% being male. The findings revealed that 244 students (44.1%) self-reported depressive symptoms based on the PHQ-9 scale. Specifically, 48.7% of first-year and 29.8% of fifth-year reported having major depressive disorder. Additionally, major depressive disorder affects the quality of life for 83.8% of students. Furthermore, 525 students (88.5%) expressed a need for mental health support centers.
ConclusionThe prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms among students, primarily assessed using the PHQ-9 scale, was notably high. Students also acknowledged the substantial impact of mental health on their quality of life. However, there remains a limited understanding and attention from social resources regarding this issue.