Common mental health problems and associated factors among medical students of University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background

The burden of mental health problems among medical students is on the increase especially when compared with their counterparts in other disciplines. This has counterproductive impact on the society. Understanding the prevalence and predictors of common mental health problems can inform early intervention to curb this menace.

Aims

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, pattern and correlates of common mental health problems (anxiety and depression) amongst medical students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 690 pre-clinical and clinical medical students of the University of Ibadan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and binary logistic regression at p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 26.5% and 10.1%, respectively, with 6.8% having both. Perceived risk factors included overwhelming academic workload (65.2%) and failure to meet up with academic expectations (64.1%). The predictors of comorbid anxiety and depression were: polygamous family setting (OR 2.7: 95% CI: 1.156–6.536) and preclinical studentship (OR: 6.2; 95% CI: 2.282–16.868).

Conclusion

This study shows that the prevalence of mental health problems is high among medical students.

Keywords:

• Mental health
• medical students
• Ibadan
• Nigeria
• risk factors

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the staff and students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, for their support during data collection.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan with reference number: UI/EC/18/0049. Informed consent was obtained from each respondent after careful explanation of study objectives has been made. Confidentiality was assured as names were not required from the subjects. Respondents and non-respondents were not penalized for participating or not participating in the study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.