Prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical students are higher than those of other students in other faculties. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving all medical students of the university was conducted. Information was obtained using a self-administered semi structured questionnaire. Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7) and Oslo Social Support Scale were used in the study. Chi square test and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression were used in the analysis and level of statistical significance was determined by p value of < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 535 medical students participated in the study, (response rate, 82.3%). Mean age of the students was 23.5 ± 3.6 years and majority, 55.7% were male. Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 54.6% and anxiety symptoms, 49.3%. Higher odds of depressive symptoms included being in preliminary class (the first year of medical school) (AOR = 2.7; 95%CI: 1.5-5.1), having poor social support, (AOR = 3.0; 95%CI: 1.8-5.1) while lower odds included perceiving academic performance as good, (AOR = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.2-0.5) and willingness to study Medicine if given another opportunity, (AOR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.4-0.9). Higher odds of anxiety symptoms included being in preliminary class, (AOR = 2.2; 95%CI:1.2-4.1), and having poor social support, (AOR = 4.5; 95%CI: 2.7-7.7) while lower odds was perceiving academic performance as good (AOR = 0.3; 95%CI:0.2-0.5). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of students had anxiety and depressive symptoms. Given the association between being in preliminary class and higher odds of anxiety and depression, providing newly admitted students with orientation on the medical curriculum including stress management and mentorship pairing between students and faculty members by authorities of the University may be beneficial. The orientation should also provide specific psycho-education about the "transition shock" between the Faculty of Science and the College of Medicine. Because perceiving academic performance as good was associated with lower odds of anxiety and depression, prioritizing academic guidance for students could potentially contribute to improved mental well-being. The students require strong social support from families, friends, members of faculty and their colleagues. The high burden of depressive symptoms necessitates that the university should put in place measures for early detection and prompt management of cases of depression among the students.