Prevalence of Depression in Medical Residents: A Cross-sectional Study from Iran in 2023 - 2024

Background: Depression is a global health issue, particularly affecting medical residents due to academic and emotional stress. Objectives: Understanding its prevalence is essential for targeted interventions. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all 260 residents at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were invited, and 252 participated (census method). Depression was measured using the validated Persian version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Demographic data were collected anonymously via online forms. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis, applying parametric or Non-parametric tests based on data distribution. Results: The prevalence of depression was 30.6%, with moderate depression being most common (17.1%). Female gender, personal history of depression, family history of depression, and antidepressant use were significantly associated with higher severity (P < 0.001). Regression analysis identified gender as the strongest predictor of BDI-II scores (R² = 0.32, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Depression is common among medical residents, especially females and those with known risk factors. Mental health screening and support services are urgently needed in medical education.