Depression and suicide among medical students: A comparison study between medical and medical sciences students in Taif University, Taif-KSA

Abstract

Background: Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health, and psychological well-being of the student. Objective: To assess the exposure to different stressors and the prevalence of depression and suicide among medical students comparing with medical sciences students at Taif University, Taif City-KSA. The study was conducted at the Taif University, medical students and medical sciences. Participants all registered students in Year 4, were enrolled in the study (n = 181). Materials and Methods: Stress, depression, and suicide act were examined among 81 4th year medical students and 100 4th year medical sciences students in 2015-at the University of Taif. Students were asked to complete a new stress inventory, developed by the researcher himself. Results: The prevalence of depression among medical and medical sciences students was 34%, where 41% among medical students and 28% among medical sciences students. 19% of the whole sample was thought of suicide act, where 23% medical students and 17% medical sciences students. Conclusion: Medical students were have higher depression rates and therefore higher suicide act comparing with medical sciences students.