Depression and anxiety among first-year students at Hanoi Medical University, academic year 2022-2023

Background: Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems in medical students worldwide. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-reported depression, and anxiety and to identify associated risk factors among first-year medical students at Hanoi Medical University. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 at Hanoi Medical University using the DASS-21 scale. Results: Among 353 participants, we found that (i) the prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety was 34.8% and 69.7%, respectively; (ii) times of exercise per week, hours of sleep per night, and participation in clubs are some factors associated with self-reported depression and anxiety. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety in first-year medical students is notably higher than normal young people in Vietnam. Our study will provide foundations and references for future studies to explore further impacts of the academic environment on first-year medical students.