Prevalence and Risk Factors of Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Medical Students of a Private Medical University in Malaysia

Introduction: Medical school expected to be a time of personal development, achievement, and well-being. However, research shows that there are many negative effects on students’ mental health due to the current educational process. Objective: This research aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students of a private medical university in Malaysia. Method: Cross sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires including socio-demographic factors, DASS-21 and MSSQ-40 questionnaires. Result: Prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression were 46.9%, 76.2% and 60.2% respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that academic related stressors were only associated with stress [adjusted OR 1.78, 95% CI (1.23, 2.58), p=0.002]. Group activities related stressors were significantly associated with stress [adjusted OR=1.45, 95%CI (1.20, 1.75), p 0.001] and depression [adjusted OR 2.54, 95% CI (2.01, 3.20), p 0.001]. On the other hand, derive and desire related stressors were significantly associated with stress [adjusted OR=1.76, 95%CI (1.28, 2.58), p 0.001], anxiety [adjusted OR 2.54, 95%CI (2.01, 3.20), p 0.001], and depression [adjusted OR 2.54, 95% C.I. (2.01, 3.20), p 0.001]. Indian students had increased anxiety [adjusted OR=2.25, 95%CI (1.40, 3.60), p=0.001]. Availability of financial support protected against depression [adjusted OR=0.44, 95% CI (0.25, 0.77), p=0.004]). Similarly, fourth year medical students were at lower risk for developing anxiety [adjusted OR=0.43, 95%CI (0.25, 0.75), p=0.003] and depression [adjusted OR 0.59, 95%CI (0.36, 0.97), p 0.036]. Conclusion: Important risk factors were identified which will help in future development of stress management programs at the university.