Mental Health Challenges in Medical Education: Prevalence of Depression and Stressors among Medical Students in Armenia
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Psychological stress is a prevalent issue in medical schools and is often associated with depression. Although medical education in Armenia is highly esteemed, there is limited research on the mental well-being of medical students. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among medical students at different educational stages and to identify the specific stressors they experience.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students at Yerevan Hayabusa University, Armenia. One hundred students from the first and second years of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program participated in the study, which took place between July and November 2024. Depression levels were assessed using the Zung Depression Scale. Participants completed the questionnaire, and their depression scores were calculated. Additionally, the survey examined stress-inducing factors related to medical education.
Results: The overall prevalence of depression among the students was found to be 29.78%. Depression was more prevalent among first-year students (36.74%) compared to second-year students (22.22%). In terms of gender, 32.43% of female students and 28.07% of male students were found to be depressed. Both first and second-year students identified academic stress and a hectic lifestyle as the primary stressors contributing to their elevated stress levels.
Conclusion: The heightened prevalence of depression among first-year medical students underscores the need for early interventions. As academic stress was identified as a key contributing factor, it is essential to develop strategies to reduce stress and enhance the overall well-being of students from the beginning of their medical education.