Navigating a Dual Crisis: Examining Burnout, Depression and Correlated Factors among Thai Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the psychological well-being of medical students due to several challenges including intense online learning, social distancing and demanding workloads. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout and depression among Thai medical students during the COVID-19 era, and explored factors associated with these conditions. Additionally, it aimed to elucidate the potential association between burnout and depression. This cross-sectional study was conducted among first- to sixth-year medical students at Thammasat University, Thailand. The online survey, which included a demographic and health behaviour questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), was distributed through the students’ social network platform. There were 386 medical students in this study; the burnout prevalence was 9.3%, with lack of sleep as a significant factor (p = 0.042). Depression prevalence was 23.8% for moderate and 10.9% for major depression. Interpersonal problems, lack of academic guidance, failing exams and thoughts of resignation were associated with depression (p = 0.02, 0.016, 0.022, and < 0.001, respectively). Notably, 64.8% and 52.6% of participants reported worsened burnout and depression compared to pre-pandemic levels. All three burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal efficacy) significantly correlated with depression (p < 0.001). This study underscores the concerning prevalence of burnout and depression among Thai medical students, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strong correlation between these conditions highlights the need for targeted interventions.