The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Medical Students in Taibah University During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health care system, economic sector, and social life. Studies have examined the prevalence of mental disorders related to COVID-19 in the general population, but few studies have examined this among medical students. The aim of this study was to assess the level of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students at Taibah University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students at Taibah University. A web-based survey was distributed among medical students between January to July 2021. The survey includes Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) in addition to sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with anxiety and depression by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 218 students participated in the study with mean age of 22±1.7 years, and 59% male students. The mean depression score was 9±6 for all participants, while it was 7±5 for anxiety. Younger age groups have a higher mean of depression score than students above 23 years, and it was higher among female students than male students. For anxiety, female students also had a higher mean anxiety score (11±6) than male students (7±5). Senior year in medical school and those with previous history of COVID had a lower risk of depression, while for anxiety, the younger age group had a high level of anxiety compared to younger students. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, high depression symptoms and anxiety levels were found among junior female medical students. The university's well-being center needs to support medical students to overcome challenges and difficulties during their junior years.