Abstract
This study examined the use of an equine-assisted brief course module on stress and depression among medical students (n = 28), a demographic known to experience high pressure. Evidence supports that animal-assisted therapies can lead to the improvement of health and quality of life, particularly in terms of cognitive, psychological, and physical benefits. This study used the seven-session Kane Medicine and Horsemanship program; students completed pre- and post-measures one week before and after the course. Participation in the course significantly reduced perceived stress (p: 0.001), depression (p: <0.001), stress severity (p: 0.014), and stress frequency (p: 0.001) among medical students. This approach should be further investigated as an option for improving well-being among medical students.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a principal cause of disease burden worldwide [1]
A meta-analysis by Rotenstein et al indicated that these levels of stress and depression in medical students are on the rise, along with suicidal ideation
At post-assessment, only two of these seven participants met the criteria for mild depression, while the remainder had dropped below clinical criteria
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a principal cause of disease burden worldwide [1]. The review analyzed 195 studies involving 129,123 medical students worldwide and found that more than a quarter of the sample population screened positive for depression and more than one in ten indicated suicidal ideation while in medical school [3]. This finding is a cause for extreme concern and immediate measures should be implemented to find solutions to relieve student depression, stress, and other factors that may lead to suicidal ideation, as well as other health issues such as sleep and eating disturbances, cardiac strain, and high-risk behaviors
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