Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factors among Medical Students in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, depression is one of the serious problems reported among medical students. Various studies reported that the prevalence of depression among medical students was high due to multiple risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among medical students in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 medical students in IIUM Kuantan. A validated self-reported questionnaire using Depression Anxiety Stress Score 21 was distributed during the second semester of the 2018/2019 session. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the prevalence of depression. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent sample T-test, and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the association between risk factors and depression. Result: The prevalence of depression was 39% with 10.5% of them were having severe and extremely severe level of depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed regular physical activity (AOR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98) and Tahajjud prayer practice (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.88) are two protective factors against depression among medical students. Conclusion: About two out of every five IIUM medical students had depression. Regular physical activity and Tahajjud prayer practised may reduce the risk of depression and should be encouraged.

Perception of Current Educational Environment, Clinical Competency, and Depression among Malaysian Medical Students in Clinical Clerkship: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The prevalence of depression in our study (17.4%) was low compared with the prevalence rate for depressive symptoms of 39% among medical students in a recent study at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) [ 15 ]. Another study at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia that aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students found that 31.1% of the respondents were found to be depressed, mainly within the moderately depressed category [ 26 ].…”

“…There were 138 medical students in Year 3, 154 medical students in Year 4, and 124 medical students in Year 5 of study, respectively, at the Faculty of Medicine, UKM at the time of this study, giving a population size of 416. Using the prevalence rate for depressive symptoms of 39% among medical students found in a recent study at another Malaysian public university [ 15 ], the sample size for this research study was calculated using the formula for prevalence study (with finite population correction) with the precision (d) = 0.05. The sample size obtained was 195.…”

Evaluation of the impact of online education on the health-related quality of life of medical students in Lebanon

“… 25 Research showed that medical students experienced poor sleep quality and depression during the pandemic independently of their education level. 26 Students attending some or none of the sessions had significantly lower BP scores than those attending all of them, possibly associated with physical and neck pain due to prolonged positioning when using the devices. 27 Lower BP and GH scores were reported among students attending sessions that included only theoretical work.…”

The Association between Physical Activity Status and Mental Wellbeing among Overweight and Obese Female University Students

“…In addition, the PA level of female students with non-ideal BMI status was revealed to have a significant positive association with their mental wellbeing. In a comparable study setting among medical students, regular physical activity was found to be a protective factor against mental disorders (23). Dinas et al also suggested, based on a review, that PA as an intervention has beneficial effects on mental wellness that are comparable to those of pharmacological interventions (24).…”