Depression, anxiety, and stress among 1st year medical undergraduates in a medical college in North Kerala – A cross-sectional study

Background: Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress is very high among medical undergraduates and there lacks a proper platform for students to express themselves and facilitators to assess them. 

Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among 1st year medical undergraduates in a medical college in north Kerala. 

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 210 1st year MBBS students participated in the study. They were interviewed, basic demographic data, and depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 was administered. The data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel. 

Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 12.9%, 43.5%, and 47.2%. Out of 210 students, 6% had mild depression, 5.7% had moderate depression, and 0.4% had severe depression. No one reported extreme depression. About 16.6% of total students had mild anxiety, 20.9% had moderate anxiety, 6.6% had severe anxiety, and 0.9% had extreme severe anxiety. Out of total students, 8.9% had mild stress, 5.71% had moderate stress, 26.6% had severe stress, and 6.6% had extreme severe stress. 

Conclusion: The prevalence of undetected anxiety and stress is high among 1st year MBBS students studying in this institution. This study highlights the relevance of systematic screening for psychological problems especially depression, anxiety, and stress among medical undergraduates in the years to come.