Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Undergraduate Dietetics Students

Abstract

ObjectiveTo understand the mental health and stressors of current nutrition and dietetics students. DesignCross-sectional survey. ParticipantsA total of 611 current Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) students in the US were recruited through DPD program directors. MethodsElectronic survey included measures of anxiety, stress, depression, and specific stressors. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and qualitative thematic analysis. ResultsMost students experienced normal levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared with the general population. A subset experienced some level of depression (30%), anxiety (40%), and stress (27%). Significant sources of stress were postgraduation plans (including internships), managing time, dietetics courses, finances, and self-imposed expectations. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe identification of a subset of DPD students experiencing symptoms of mental health challenges and recognition that there are common stressors among DPD students may increase awareness among educators, guide development of course policies, and highlight the importance of mitigating major sources of stress for students.