A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health concerns in our society. These are often experienced as a complex set of emotional and functional challenges. This study was conducted to explore the levels of anxiety and depression among medical and non-medical female students.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Women Medical
College and Comsats University Abbottabad from May 22, 2014 to August 31, 2014.30 medical and 30 non-medical female students were studied.A structured questionnaire based on Beck anxiety and depression scale, consisting of 21 items was used. The parameters studied in students were Educational courses and stressors-anxiety and depression. Data was analyzed using SPSS.V-20 and Microsoft excel 2007. Chi square test was applied while frequencies and percentages were also calculated.
RESULTS: 56.6% of medical students had anxiety as compared to 76.6% of non-medical students, while 43.3% of medical students and 50% of non-medical students had depression. Result was non significant (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Though anxiety and depression was found among majority of non-medical students, as compared to medical students ; however this may be due to the fact that this study was conducted at a time when study pressure on students was not that much due to no exams or tests.

KEY WORDS: Anxiety, depression, Beck anxiety Inventory, Beck depression inventory.