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The prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among medical students: An untold story in Vietnam

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  • Tung Pham
  • Linh Bui
  • Anh Nguyen
  • Binh Nguyen
  • Phung Tran
  • Phuong Vu
  • Linh Dang

Abstract

Background: Depression is a common mental health problem in medical students worldwide. The association between depression and motivation in Vietnamese medical students is not well-documented. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported depression and to identify associated risk factors among medical students at Hanoi Medical University (HMU). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students with clinical experience at HMU from November 2015 to January 2016. We used the multistage cluster random sampling technique to select and invite students to complete a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ). Results: Among 494 participants (78.8% response rate), the prevalence of self-reported depression was 15.2% (95%CI:12.0%-19.0%), and suicidal ideation was 7.7% (95%CI:6.2%-9.5%). Self-reported depression was significantly associated with perceived financial burden, physical inactivity, being senior student, perceived negative influence of night shifts, and non-self-determined motivation profile. Suicidal ideation was significantly associated with perceived financial burden and non-self-determined motivation profile. In the multivariable regression models, significant risk factors for self-reported depression were non-self-determined motivation (PR = 2.62, 95%CI:1.68–4.07), perceived financial burden (PR = 1.95, 95%CI:1.39–2.73), and vigorous level of physical activity (PR = 0.43, 95%CI:0.20–0.942). For suicidal ideation, non-self-determined motivation (PR = 2.33, 95%CI:1.13–4.80) and perceived financial burden (PR = 1.91, 95%CI:1.16–3.13) were significant risk factors. Strengths and limitations: The strengths of our study included a representative sample, a good response rate, and using a good depression screening tool. However, the PHQ-9 only allowed us to screen for depression, and the translation of the AMS and IPAQ into Vietnamese could potentially decrease these tools’ validity. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported depression and suicidal ideation in medical students is notably higher compared to the general population in Vietnam. Non-self-determined motivation and financial burden were the prominent risk factors for both the depression and suicidal ideation in medical students.

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  • Tung Pham & Linh Bui & Anh Nguyen & Binh Nguyen & Phung Tran & Phuong Vu & Linh Dang, 2019. "The prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among medical students: An untold story in Vietnam," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0221432
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221432
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Romeo B Lee & Madelene Sta Maria & Susana Estanislao & Cristina Rodriguez, 2013. "Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms among Filipino University Students," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(11), pages 1-1, November.
    2. Gemma Vilagut & Carlos G Forero & Gabriela Barbaglia & Jordi Alonso, 2016. "Screening for Depression in the General Population with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D): A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, May.
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    1. Hamza Mohammad Abdulghani & Khulud Alanazi & Raghad Alotaibi & Najlaa Abdulrahman Alsubeeh & Tauseef Ahmad & Shafiul Haque, 2023. "Prevalence of Potential Dropout Thoughts and Their Influential Factors Among Saudi Medical Students," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(1), pages 21582440221, January.
    2. Minh-Hoang Nguyen & Manh-Tung Ho & Viet-Phuong La & Quynh-Yen Thi. Nguyen & Manh-Toan Ho & Thu-Trang Vuong & Tam-Tri Le & Manh-Cuong Nguyen & Quan-Hoang Vuong, 2020. "A Scientometric Study on Depression among University Students in East Asia: Research and System Insufficiencies?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-25, February.

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