Screening of substance use and mental health problems among Spanish medical students: A multicenter study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of substance consumption and mental health problems among Spanish medical students, and their association with sociodemographic factors. MethodsA multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted. Self-reported data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including BDI-II, PHQ-9, brief STAI, and single-item academic burnout (IUBA). ResultsOverall, 1265 students (74.2% female) completed the survey. Of them, 37.4% scored positive for depressive symptoms, as measured by the BDI-II, and more than half (53%) by the PHQ-9. Suicidal ideation was reported by about 12% whilst high levels of state and trait anxiety were informed by 28.8% and 29.4% of the students. The prevalence of burnout was 40.2%. Female and pre-clinical students reported significantly (p < 0.01) higher rates of depressive, anxiety, and burnout symptoms. Alcohol, energy drinks, and tobacco were the most frequently used substances. Total scores of self-reported mental health problems negatively correlated (p < 0.001) with objective academic results and positively correlated (p < 0.02) with the number of substances consumed in the last 30 days. LimitationsResearch-based on self-reported data could favour information bias due to the social desirability effect and memory error. ConclusionsA high prevalence of substance consumption and several mental health problems was found among medical students, especially females. The relevant influence of academic-related factors on students' well-being may be a call for medical schools to implement initiatives aimed to improve students' ability to detect, address, and seek help for their mental health issues.