Depression, Occupational Anxiety, and Related Factors in Medical Students

Abstract

Abstract Background: Depression occupies an important place in medical students’ psychiatric disorders, with a prevalence of approximately 20-40%. We aim to examine factors that might affect depression in medical students and investigate the relationship between occupational anxiety and depression severity. Methods: Eighty-eight medical students who were diagnosed as having major depressive disorder were included in the study. A Sociodemographic Data Form, the Occupational Anxiety Questionnaire for Medical Students, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used. Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between academic success, living with family, Occupational Anxiety Questionnaire for Medical Students and Beck Depression Inventory scores. The mean value of the occupational anxiety of the students was 35.87±9.82. The most anxious options for students in the Occupational Anxiety Questionnaire for Medical Students were the inability to prepare for and pass the Central Medical Specialty Exam. Conclusions: It is necessary to focus on factors that may affect the severity of depression, which affect both the social and professional lives of medical students who are physician candidates. The issues about occupational anxiety should be taken into consideration when planning medical school education and postgraduate working conditions.