Prevalence and Predictors of Depression among Medical Students of Imo State University, Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria.

Background: Depression has been recognized as one of the significant public health problems of the 21st century. Previous studies have revealed higher prevalence of psychological morbidity among medical students in comparison to their age – matched non – medical counterparts.

Objective: This study evaluated the prevalence and predictors of depression among medical students of Imo State University, Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria.

Methods: An institution based cross – sectional survey was conducted among 180 medical students selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data collection was with the aid of a pretested semi – structured self – administered questionnaire. Prevalence of depression was assessed using a modified Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS – 21). Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. Descriptive statistics was presented using summary indices, frequency tables and percentages. Associations between variables were done using the Chi –square and logistic regression. A p – value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 26.9 ± 4.1 years. Only 10.6% of the students were very well informed about depression with social media (45.9%) as the main source of information. The prevalence of depression in this study was 41.2%. Sociodemographic variables significantly associated with depression were body mass index (p < 0.0001) and psychoactive substance use (p < 0.0001). Being overweight (OR = 8.41) or obese (OR = 4.25) were significant predictors of depression. Likewise, respondents who often (OR = 8.50) or always (OR = 7.40) use psychoactive substances were significantly more likely to be depressed in comparison to those who do not.

Conclusion: Depression is a burning public health problem among medical students. There is need for institutional reforms to help address depression among medical students. Also, majority of students getting information about depression from social media is indicative of the fact that they are not getting adequate exposure to Psychiatry. In view of this, review of the medical curriculum should be considered.