Assessment of depression among the medical studentsof Allama Iqbal medical college Lahore Pakistan during supplementary examination

Abstract

Background: The aim of study was to check the depression level among medical students during  supplementary examination. Standardized measures were used to examine depression level during supplementary examination.

Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted during January and February 2018 in The Allama Iqbal  Medical College Lahore. Information is collected from the students of 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th& 5^thprofessionals. A questionnaire is designed to check depression level that consist of socio-demographic characters of respondents & PHQ8. Analytical methods used were mean, median, mode, standard deviation, range (maximum, minimum) & percentile.

Results: Total number of 188 students including male 76(40.4%) & female 112(59.6%) were approached out of which 67% having no clinical depression. Major depression & severe major depression were found in 29.8% & 2.7% of our respondents, respectively. Depression level was higher among female students as compared to male.

Conclusion: Total number of 188 students were participating in this study. It is concluded from the study that female students have more depression level as compared to males. Students falling in the range of age from 19‒21 & 20‒24 have more depression as compared to other age ranges. Depression level was due to theory papers as compared to practical paper.   Also greater in the students of 1^st& 4^th professionals as compared to 2^nd, 3^rd & 5^thprofessionals.