Abstract:

Background: Stress is a term that refers to the sum of physical, mental and emotional strains or tensions on a person. Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration. Psychological Stress among medical students is common as compared to other professional courses. The aim of the study is to study the association between Psychological Stress and Depression among undergraduate medical students in Asia Metropolitan University.

Methods: A Cross sectional study was undertaken among 75 medical students in a private medical college, Johor Bahru. Validated questionnaires such as General Health Questionnaire (GHQ -12) and Beck depression Inventory (BDI) were used to screen Psychological Stress and Depression respectively.

Results: Prevalence of Psychological Stress was 39.7% and Depression was 38.2% among medical students. There was a significant association between Psychological stress and Depression among medical students because the p-value <0.01.

Conclusion: Emphasize should be laid on the importance of screening for Depression of medical students on a regular basis for early detection and rendering appropriate intervention like student Mentorship Program, group counseling, stress management training to protect the future professionals.

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