Differences in Perceived Stress, Depression, and Medical Symptoms among Medical, Nursing, and Physician Assistant Students: A Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

In most health professions institutions, curricular evaluation is conducted in the absence of psychological tools. Yet, student health is correlated with stress and depression. This study used latent class analysis to describe student groups and their levels of stress, depression, and medical symptoms. Data from 386 health professions students (including medical, physician assistant, nursing, and audiology students) at Nova Southeastern University were analyzed. The results showed that nursing students are most likely to be classified as “healthy-adjusted” (latent class 1). Medical students were most likely to be classified as “severely depressed” (latent class 3). The findings demonstrate a need for the use of psychological tools in addition to conventional metrics to evaluate and improve curricula.