Email this article 
Hide
Show all
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
Total abstract views: 10298Total article views: 11463
Crossref Citations
1. Prevalence, Digital Tools, and Management Strategies for Depression in Medical Students: A Narrative Review
Yuan Ren, Shikai Liang, Renzhi Wang, Sheng Dong, Youtu Wu, Wei Su
Advances in Medical Education and Practice vol: Volume 17 first page: 1 year: 2026
doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S601300
2. A Systematic Patent Review (2008-2023) for Treatment in Pregnancy
Kélle Velasques Pereira, Camila Oliveira Pacheco, Izabel Almeida Alves, Sandra Elisa Haas
Current Medicinal Chemistry vol: 31 issue: 38 first page: 6288 year: 2024
doi: 10.2174/0109298673296246240410093401
3. Identifying factors contributing to depression and anxiety among medical students: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Assefa Kebad Mengesha, Melshew Fenta Misker, Solomon Asmamaw Tadesse
Scientific Reports vol: 15 issue: 1 year: 2025
doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-99177-4
4. Positive parenting style and academic burnout in physical education teacher education students: a chain mediating model of physical activity and meaning in life
Hui Ma, Lijun Liu, Shuting Huang, Zhonggen Yin, Tong Liu
Frontiers in Psychology vol: 17 year: 2026
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1854548
5. Prevalence and risk factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms and functional constipation among university students in Eastern China
Bo-Chen Jiang, Jing Zhang, Man Yang, Hai-Dong Yang, Xiao-Bin Zhang
World Journal of Psychiatry vol: 15 issue: 6 year: 2025
doi: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i6.106451
6. Pharmacological Cognitive Enhancement Among International Medical Students: Assessing Study Habits as a Novel Factor
Parker Sheldon, Javier Mendez-Montejano, Andrew J. Michalak, Juliana J. Navarro, Cersten Bradley, Milliejoan Mongalo, Maria G. Zavala-Cerna
Medical Science Educator vol: 34 issue: 6 first page: 1353 year: 2024
doi: 10.1007/s40670-024-02113-w
7. Burnout and perceived stress in medical interns working at a hospital in Windhoek, Namibia
Frieda Kalenga, Liezl Koen, Laila Asmal, Moleen Zunza, Roxane Jones
Journal of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa vol: 4 issue: 1 year: 2026
doi: 10.4102/JCMSA.v4i1.302
8. Is the desire to help people the main motivation for entering a medical profession? A cross-cultural, phenomenological study
Cornelis A. J. De Jong, Lisa Wang, Leendert C. van Rijn, Shelly Iskandar, Darius Jokūbonis, Maarten J. van der Laan
Academia Mental Health and Well-Being vol: 2 issue: 1 year: 2025
doi: 10.20935/MHealthWellB7531
9. Mental Health and Well-Being of Hospitality Students: The Buffering Role of Personal Resources
Christopher Mensah, Edem M. Azila-Gbettor, Eli A. Atatsi, Martin K. Abiemo
Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education vol: 36 issue: 3 first page: 238 year: 2024
doi: 10.1080/10963758.2024.2369116
10. Ansiedade, depressão e estresse nos estudantes do primeiro ano de medicina da universidade tiradentes: uma revisão de campo
Bruna Fontes de Carvalho, Isadora Cristina Rodrigues de Amorim Pereira, Isadora Fonseca Santa Roza, Janaína da Silva Souza, Maria Regina Domingues Azevedo, Trícia Waleska Carneiro Cordeiro Lima, Laís Oliveira Melo, Halley Ferraro Oliveira
Caderno Pedagógico vol: 21 issue: 12 first page: e10119 year: 2024
doi: 10.54033/cadpedv21n12-006