Review Article
Prevalence of depression, anxiety and burnout in medical students at the University of Namibia
Submitted: 14 January 2023 | Published: 31 May 2023
About the author(s)
Nelao T. Mhata, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South AfricaVuyokazi Ntlantsana, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Andrew M. Tomita, Discipline of Psychiatry, KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and Discipline of Psychiatry, Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Kissah Mwambene, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia; and Mental Health Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital, Windhoek, Namibia
Shamima Saloojee, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Abstract
Background: There is an increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and burnout among medical students worldwide with no information from Namibia.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and burnout among medical students at the University of Namibia (UNAM).
Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted utilising a specially designed questionnaire for the study and standardised instruments to evaluate depression, anxiety, and burnout.
Results: Of the 229 students in this study, 71.6% were female and 28.4% were male. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and burnout was 43.6%, 30.6%, and 36.2%, respectively. The prevalence of emotional exhaustion (EX), cynicism (CY), and professional efficacy (EF) was 68.1% (n = 156), 77.3% (n = 177) and 53.3% (n = 122), respectively. In the final regression model, participants with a current psychiatric illness were more likely to screen positive for depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.06, confidence interval [CI] 1.28–12.91; p = 0.02) and anxiety (aOR: 3.63, CI: 1.17–11.23; p = 0.03). Emotional exhaustion and cynicism were significantly associated with female gender (EX: aOR, 0.40, CI: 0.20–0.79; p = 0.01) (CY: aOR, 0.42, CI: 0.20–0.91; p = 0.03).
Conclusion: More than one in three medical students at the UNAM were either depressed or burnt out.
Contribution: This is the first study to highlight the mental health needs of medical students at the University of Namibia.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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Crossref Citations
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Current Medicinal Chemistry vol: 31 issue: 38 first page: 6288 year: 2024
doi: 10.2174/0109298673296246240410093401