Prevalence of OCD symptoms and the impact of family history among Kashmiri medical and paramedical students – “Unveiling the link”

Objective: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) constitutes a chronic and incapacitating mental health ailment characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that exerts its influence on individuals globally.  Despite its global impact, its prevalence among medical and paramedical students in Kashmir remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the prevalence of OCD symptoms and the influence of family history among Kashmiri medical and paramedical students. Methods: A sample of 214 undergraduate students from GMC Srinagar participated in the study. Participants completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to assess OCD symptoms. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: Of the participants, 62.1% exhibited a likelihood of having OCD, with 78.9% having mild symptoms, 16.5% moderate, and 4.5% severe. There was a significant association between educational status and OCD likelihood (p=0.002), with first-year students showing higher probabilities. Additionally, a familial history of OCD was linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing OCD symptoms. Conclusion: This study reveals a prevalent likelihood of OCD among Kashmiri medical and paramedical students, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health concerns within academic settings. Understanding the impact of family history on OCD development can inform targeted interventions to support student well-being and academic success.