The prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among medical students: An untold story in Vietnam

Abstract

Background Depression is a common mental health problem in medical students worldwide. The association between depression and motivation in Vietnamese medical students is not well-documented. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of self-reported depression and to identify associated risk factors among medical students at Hanoi Medical University (HMU). Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students with clinical experience at HMU from November 2015 to January 2016. We used the multistage cluster random sampling technique to select and invite students to complete a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ). Results Among 494 participants (78.8% response rate), the prevalence of self-reported depression was 15.2% (95%CI:12.0%-19.0%), and suicidal ideation was 7.7% (95%CI:6.2%-9.5%). Self-reported depression was significantly associated with perceived financial burden, physical inactivity, being senior student, perceived negative influence of night shifts, and non-self-determined motivation profile. Suicidal ideation was significantly associated with perceived financial burden and non-self-determined motivation profile. In the multivariable regression models, significant risk factors for self-reported depression were non-self-determined motivation (PR = 2.62, 95%CI:1.68–4.07), perceived financial burden (PR = 1.95, 95%CI:1.39–2.73), and vigorous level of physical activity (PR = 0.43, 95%CI:0.20–0.942). For suicidal ideation, non-self-determined motivation (PR = 2.33, 95%CI:1.13–4.80) and perceived financial burden (PR = 1.91, 95%CI:1.16–3.13) were significant risk factors. Strengths and limitations The strengths of our study included a representative sample, a good response rate, and using a good depression screening tool. However, the PHQ-9 only allowed us to screen for depression, and the translation of the AMS and IPAQ into Vietnamese could potentially decrease these tools’ validity. Conclusion The prevalence of self-reported depression and suicidal ideation in medical students is notably higher compared to the general population in Vietnam. Non-self-determined motivation and financial burden were the prominent risk factors for both the depression and suicidal ideation in medical students.

Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health Service Use of Industrial Workers: Evidence from Vietnam

“…The parameter for this calculation comprised: a confident level α = 95%, expected prevalence p = 38.6% (according to a prior study in Vietnam [26]), relative precision ε = 0.15, resulting in 272 workers per province. We added 10% to compensate for people who did not agree to participate or complete the survey for any reason.…”

“…For screening depressive symptoms, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a validated tool. Several previous studies were performed that used the Vietnamese version of this instrument to assess the depressive symptoms in different populations [20,26,27]. The PHQ-9 has 9 items about the frequency of depression-related symptoms that the respondents were bothered with in the last two weeks until the interview, which was consistent with the diagnostic standard of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V).…”

People with Suspected COVID-19 Symptoms Were More Likely Depressed and Had Lower Health-Related Quality of Life: The Potential Benefit of Health Literacy

“…Patients were asked about their time spent (days per week, and minutes per day) over the last 7 days, on different levels of physical intensity (vigorous, moderate, walking, and sitting). The IPAQ was validated and used in the Vietnamese context [40,41]. The overall physical activity was scored using a metabolic equivalent task scored in minutes per week (named as MET-min/week) [42].…”

“…Depression was assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) [45]. The PHQ-9 is in use in the Vietnam context [40,46]. Participants rated each item on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (almost every day) over the last 2 weeks.…”

A Scientometric Study on Depression among University Students in East Asia: Research and System Insufficiencies?

“…Despite the expansion of investment into mental health research and development of central government in Korea, there was a huge disproportion in directing the investment, with only 10% of the budget [63] is spent on studies of mental health policies, services, and humanities and social sciences issues, etc., while another 90% was spent on basic research, therapy, and diagnosis studies. As the depressive level and healthcare usage are significantly affected by multiple social-cultural-economic aspects [25,[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71], such disproportionate distribution of investment might result in insufficient depression prevention and treatment among particular populations, such as university students. Re-allocation of the investment is, therefore, essential to protect the mental health of the young generation.…”