Prevalence of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Medical Students at MACON & JOAN BROCK Virginia Health Sciences - Old Dominion University: A Cross-Sectional Study
Poster #: 146
Session/Time: A
Author:
Jingru Huang, BS
Mentor:
Foroozan Afsharchi, MD
Research Type: Public Health
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Medical students currently in training significantly influence the direction and quality of healthcare practices in the coming years, thereby shaping the overall landscape of the future medical field. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among medical students is a phenomenon observed not only in the U.S. but worldwide. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among medical students at our institution and to explore any demographic relationships with symptoms of these conditions. The findings will provide a foundation for future research. They may initiate reforms to alleviate the pressures and external stressors of these talented and hardworking individuals who will care for our families and communities in the future.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study involved the medical students at our institution. The study utilized a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire for anxiety, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression. These instruments were administered to the students via the RedCap platform from September 2024 to November 2024.
RESULTS:
Out of around 600 medical students, 126 completed the survey. Among them, 18.3% screened positive for anxiety (moderate or severe symptoms), and 23.8% for depression (moderate or severe symptoms). Second- and third-year students had higher mean Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scores compared to first-year students (7.219 & 7.263 vs. 4.147, p < 0.025 & p < 0.050). There was no statistically significant difference in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores between students of different years. Students with a prior history of anxiety and depression-whether treated or untreated currently-had significantly higher mean scores in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 (8.0909 & 10.1818 vs. 4.3115 & 4.7213, p < 0.001). Unlike previous studies, we found no significant gender differences in anxiety and depression scores. Additionally, students with school loan balances over $300,000 reported higher scores in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 compared to students with a balance of $10,000 to $49,999 (12.8000 & 13.400 vs 4.5000 & 6.538, p < 0.004 & p < 0.035).
CONCLUSION:
Our findings highlight the need for reforms in U.S. medical school policies. We found that second and third-year medical students had higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scores, likely due to the rigorous Step 1 and Step 2 exams taken during this period, which could have exacerbated stress. More research is needed to confirm the link between these exams and anxiety levels. Additionally, we discovered a direct correlation between medical school loan burdens and student anxiety. Students with loans exceeding 300,000 reported significantly higher GAD scores, indicating that financial stress adds to the challenges of medical training. Our initial hypothesis was rejected, as we did not observe a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms as students advanced. This indicates a need for sustained mental health support in medical education. Moreover, students with a history of depression and anxiety, regardless of treatment continuation, still exhibited higher symptoms, suggesting that ongoing treatment may not prevent increased anxiety and depression during medical school.
Medical students currently in training significantly influence the direction and quality of healthcare practices in the coming years, thereby shaping the overall landscape of the future medical field. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among medical students is a phenomenon observed not only in the U.S. but worldwide. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among medical students at our institution and to explore any demographic relationships with symptoms of these conditions. The findings will provide a foundation for future research. They may initiate reforms to alleviate the pressures and external stressors of these talented and hardworking individuals who will care for our families and communities in the future.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study involved the medical students at our institution. The study utilized a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire for anxiety, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression. These instruments were administered to the students via the RedCap platform from September 2024 to November 2024.
RESULTS:
Out of around 600 medical students, 126 completed the survey. Among them, 18.3% screened positive for anxiety (moderate or severe symptoms), and 23.8% for depression (moderate or severe symptoms). Second- and third-year students had higher mean Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scores compared to first-year students (7.219 & 7.263 vs. 4.147, p < 0.025 & p < 0.050). There was no statistically significant difference in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores between students of different years. Students with a prior history of anxiety and depression-whether treated or untreated currently-had significantly higher mean scores in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 (8.0909 & 10.1818 vs. 4.3115 & 4.7213, p < 0.001). Unlike previous studies, we found no significant gender differences in anxiety and depression scores. Additionally, students with school loan balances over $300,000 reported higher scores in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 compared to students with a balance of $10,000 to $49,999 (12.8000 & 13.400 vs 4.5000 & 6.538, p < 0.004 & p < 0.035).
CONCLUSION:
Our findings highlight the need for reforms in U.S. medical school policies. We found that second and third-year medical students had higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scores, likely due to the rigorous Step 1 and Step 2 exams taken during this period, which could have exacerbated stress. More research is needed to confirm the link between these exams and anxiety levels. Additionally, we discovered a direct correlation between medical school loan burdens and student anxiety. Students with loans exceeding 300,000 reported significantly higher GAD scores, indicating that financial stress adds to the challenges of medical training. Our initial hypothesis was rejected, as we did not observe a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms as students advanced. This indicates a need for sustained mental health support in medical education. Moreover, students with a history of depression and anxiety, regardless of treatment continuation, still exhibited higher symptoms, suggesting that ongoing treatment may not prevent increased anxiety and depression during medical school.