PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MBBS STUDENTS DURING EXAMINATION PERIODS
Keywords:
Anxiety Disorders, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depression, Examinations, Medical Students, Mental Health, Prevalence, Psychological Stress, Risk Factors, Students MedicalAbstract
Background: Depression and anxiety are common mental health concerns among medical students, particularly during examination periods when academic pressure intensifies. The demanding curriculum, competitive environment, and fear of failure create a high-stress atmosphere that predisposes students to psychological distress.
Objective: To judge the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms among undergraduate MBBS students during examination periods and to find demographic factors linked with increased risk.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out across four months, enrolling 404 MBBS students from a medical institution in Lahore. Participants were selected through a stratified random sampling approach. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using standardized self-report questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Data handling and analysis were performed with SPSS software, version 26. Demographic information was described using summary statistics, while relationships were examined through independent t-tests, chi-square procedures, and Pearson’s correlation. Statistical significance was determined at a threshold of p<0.05.
Results: The participants had an average age of 21.4 years (±1.8), with females making up 58.2% of the group. Symptoms of moderate to severe depression, based on PHQ-9 scores ≥10, were identified in 39.9% of students, whereas 40.9% showed moderate to severe anxiety with GAD-7 scores ≥10. Female students recorded higher mean levels of both depression and anxiety compared with males (p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively). Those living in hostels exhibited more severe symptoms than day scholars (p<0.05). A strong and direct association was observed between depression and anxiety scores (r=0.72, p<0.001).
Conclusion: A substantial proportion of MBBS students experienced significant depression and anxiety symptoms during examinations, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions and institutional support systems to reduce academic stress and promote psychological well-being.
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