Depressive symptomatology in medical students in Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Depression is a common mental disorder that can significantly affect medical education students. Intense academic load, high expectations and stress associated with medical training can contribute to the development of depression, which has an impact on the emotional and mental well-being of students, fundamental for their academic success and future medical practice. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in medical students of Campus II of the Autonomous University of Chiapas. Method: The type of study was descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective, the sample of 231 students in the period January - June 2020. After informed consent, the Beck Depression Inventory was applied for depressive diagnosis. It was classified according to symptomatology as mild, moderate and severe. Results: It was determined that 8.23% in the fourth semester presented moderate symptomatology and 5.19% in the eighth semester had severe symptomatology. In the fourth semester 8.23% and 9.09% of the eighth semester have had suicidal thoughts. Also 67.96% of both semesters referred lack of concentration, which affects students' academic performance. Conclusions: With the results obtained it is evident that almost one third of the population studied presents some depressive symptom and one fifth, suicidal ideation, so it is necessary to address depression, to promote a healthy learning environment and support the general welfare of students.