ABSTRACT
Background: Depression has become one of the commonest mental ailments in current era. Its impact is far more in medical personnel than general population. Most of the medical students leave their houses for the first time and enter into the new environment of knowledge and responsibility. Though various studies have reported high prevalence of depression among undergraduate students, it was desirable to know its status in south Rajasthan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on 302 undergraduate medical students to know prevalence and risk factors for depression. Along with the pre-designed questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Scale was used as study tools. Cut off value of 17 and above was considered to define the depression on BDI scale. Results: Prevalence of depression was 10% among undergraduate medical students. Statistically, female gender and students studying in fifth semester were significant risk factors. Residence, socio-economic class and family history of depression were not significant associated factors. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression is higher among medical undergraduates as compared to general population with female gender and fifth semester students being important risk factors