Comparison of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among First-Year MBBS and First-Year BDS Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47489/szmc.v40i3.987Keywords:
depression, anxiety, stress, MBBS undergraduates, BDS undergraduates, DASS-21, mental health, medical education, dental educationAbstract
Background: Medical as well as dental education is academically demanding and may contribute to psychological distress among students. First year students, in particular, face significant academic and social adjustments that may affect their mental well-being. The research was conducted to compare the presence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress between first year MBBS and first year BDS undergraduates and to determine whether the two groups differ in their psychological well-being.
Objective: The objective of the study is to compare presence of symptoms of depressive state, anxiety, and psychological stress within first-year MBBS and first-year BDS students using a validated psychological assessment tool.
Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative research design was used involving 146 students (73 MBBS and 73 BDS) from a recognized medical college and dental college. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) along with GAD 7 were employed as the assessment tool. Socio demographic information was obtained through a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Comparisons between groups were carried out using chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests.
Results: Among MBBS students, 74% reported depression, 78.1% reported anxiety, and 52.1% reported stress. Among BDS students, 64.4% reported depression, 79.5% reported anxiety, and 54.8% reported stress. However no significant statistical differences were found among MBBS and BDS students for depression (p = 0.210), anxiety (p =0.840), stress = (p=0.740).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that anxiety is the common psychological condition among first year MBBS and first year BDS students. MBBS students demonstrated comparatively higher levels of depression, whereas BDS students showed higher anxiety levels. However, the comparison between the two groups did not show statistical significance. Early screening, institutional mental health support, and stress management workshops are strongly recommended.
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