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Psychological wellbeing and mental health amongst medical undergraduates: A descriptive study assessing more than 1,000 medical students in Sri Lanka

Author

Listed:
  • Dulangi Dahanayake
  • Harshini Rajapakse
  • Anuprabha Wickramasinghe
  • Miyuru Chandradasa
  • Yasodha Rohanachandra
  • Sayuri Perera
  • Anne-Marie Nillo
  • Andrew Molodynski

Abstract

Background: Studies from around the world have shown higher rates of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and burnout in medical students. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the socio-demographic factors and severity of difficulties Sri Lankan medical students face regarding psychological wellbeing and burnout. Method: This one-off survey used a cross-sectional design, assessing substance use, psychological wellbeing, and burnout using the CAGE, GHQ-12, and OLBI. The survey was open to all medical students in six universities in Sri Lanka. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the statistical significance related to categorical dependent variables and one-way ANOVA for continuous dependent variables. Results: A higher prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions was found following admission to the medical course in comparison prior to admission. Sixty-two percent of students had a score of more than 2 on the GHQ-12 indicating caseness. The OLBI identified exhaustion in 79% of students. The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 4.8% of students. Conclusions: Only a small proportion of students are recognizing their mental health difficulties and seeking help. Further understanding is required as to why this is, as well as re-evaluation of the demands of the curriculum. Effective ways of regularly identifying and providing practical and evidence-based support for mental health problems in medical and other undergraduates need to be identified and introduced.

Suggested Citation

  • Dulangi Dahanayake & Harshini Rajapakse & Anuprabha Wickramasinghe & Miyuru Chandradasa & Yasodha Rohanachandra & Sayuri Perera & Anne-Marie Nillo & Andrew Molodynski, 2022. "Psychological wellbeing and mental health amongst medical undergraduates: A descriptive study assessing more than 1,000 medical students in Sri Lanka," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(6), pages 1263-1269, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:68:y:2022:i:6:p:1263-1269
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640211027211
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