Mental Health Crisis in Medical Students: A Study on Depression, Anxiety, and Associated Risks

Background: Mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, have emerged as significant concerns among medical students worldwide. The academic and emotional pressures inherent in medical education often exacerbate these conditions. In Bangladesh, limited research has been conducted on the prevalence and risk factors associated with mental health disorders among medical students, especially in regional settings like Khulna. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students at Khulna Medical College and identify demographic, socioeconomic, and academic factors associated with these conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2023 to June 2024 with 400 MBBS students from the 1st to 5th academic years using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including sociodemographic details and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was assessed, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with these mental health issues. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of depression was 40.0%, with 20.0% of students exhibiting mild, 15.0% moderate, and 5.0% severe symptoms. Anxiety was reported in 45.0% of students, with 22.5% mild, 17.5% moderate, and 7.5% severe cases. Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with age, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic year. Male students, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and younger students were found to be at higher risk for both conditions. The prevalence of depression was highest among 20-21-year-olds (45.0%), and anxiety was most prevalent in first-year students (55.0%). Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant burden of depression and anxiety among medical students in Khulna. The study underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions, particularly for male students, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and first-year students. Mental health support programs should be integrated into medical curricula to promote students' well-being.