Assessment of mental well-being in first year medical students

ABSTRACT

Background: Mental health is one of the most important domains of the overall health of an individual and has received a worldwide concern as an important public health issue. In the present times, health professionals have to face a lot of issues regarding the work stress for providing the best healthcare to the needed ones. Hence, the foundation for emerging as an efficient health-care provider starts from the time when one enters into a medical college. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the status of mental health in first medical students. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) scale was provided to the participants who were willing to participate in the study. Percentage of total subjects enrolled was categorized into normal, mild, moderate and severe degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress depending on feedback provided by them based on DASS-21 scale. Results: Mild depression was present in 40% and moderate degree of depression was seen in 50% of total subjects taken. About 70% of students reported a state of moderate anxiety and 20% students reported severe anxiety. Severe stress was seen in 30% of total subjects taken and 60% of subjects reported moderate degree of stress. Conclusion: It was reported that moderate level of depression, anxiety, and stress is present in a significant percentage of 1st year medical students as indicated by the score of DASS-21 scale.