The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders Among Postgraduate Students in an Arabic Sample: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are indicators of mental health and quality of life. Studies found a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among specific populations, such as medical students, residents and fellows. However, postgraduate students unarguably suffer from many private and career life stressors. Unfortunately, research about the prevalence of depression and anxiety among postgraduate students are greatly lacking.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey; a self-questionnaire divided into five sections. Socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD7), insomnia and suicide.Results: The number of participants was 1,005, The prevalence of depression and GAD that warrant treatments are 27.4% and 23.6%, respectively. Most of the participants who screened positive for depression and GAD were not aware of having these disorders. Females were at a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.10 to 2.15) and GAD (OR:1.49, 95% CL 1.07 to 2.07). Insomnia is associated significantly with depression (P<0.001) and GAD (P<0.001). Depression increases the risk for active suicide thoughts (OR= 7.453) (P<0.001). Conclusion: We have identified a higher prevalence of depression and GAD among postgraduate students compared with the general population. However, they appear to be underrepresented in mental health literature, so further research is necessary. The limitations of this study were centered on the nature of cross-sectional studies, causal relationships cannot be identified.

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The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders Among Postgraduate Students in an Arabic Sample: A Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-143732/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asem A. Alageel ◽

Rayyan A. Alyahya ◽

Raed A Alghamdi ◽

Ban A. Alzaid ◽

Aryaf. S Alsubaie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Patient Health

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are indicators of mental health and quality of life. Studies found a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among specific populations, such as medical students, residents and fellows. However, postgraduate students unarguably suffer from many private and career life stressors. Unfortunately, research about the prevalence of depression and anxiety among postgraduate students are greatly lacking.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey; a self-questionnaire divided into five sections. Socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD7), insomnia and suicide. Results: The number of participants was 1,005, The prevalence of depression and GAD that warrant treatments are 27.4% and 23.6%, respectively. Most of the participants who screened positive for depression and GAD were not aware of having these disorders. Females were at a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.10 to 2.15) and GAD (OR:1.49, 95% CL 1.07 to 2.07). Insomnia is associated significantly with depression (P<0.001) and GAD (P<0.001). Depression increases the risk for active suicide thoughts (OR= 7.453) (P<0.001). Limitations: Due to the nature of cross-sectional studies, causal relationships cannot be identified.Conclusion: We have identified a higher prevalence of depression and GAD among postgraduate students compared with the general population. However, they appear to be underrepresented in mental health literature, so further research is necessary.

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Mental Health Status of Stable Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the Main COVID-19 Hospitals in Malaysia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-101909/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shaiful Azlan ◽

Noor Ani Ahmad ◽

Umi Adzlin Silim ◽

Muhammad Najib Abdullah ◽

Norazam Harun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Anxiety ◽

Self Blame ◽

Brief Cope ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

Abstract BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is catastrophic and caused negative psychological effects among patients, healthcare workers and their surroundings. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and general anxiety disorders (GAD) among stable hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study via web-based online survey involving 401 patients in the main COVID-19 hospitals in Malaysia who were selected via quota sampling. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic profile, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 items (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorders 7 items (GAD-7) and Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced). The identified probable cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation were subsequently referred to psychiatrists.ResultThe prevalence of depression and anxiety were 7.5% and 7.0%, respectively. Besides that, 4.0% of respondents were suspected as having suicidal ideation. The prediction model revealed that females [aOR=5.29 (95% CI: 1.34, 20.80)], age 35-49 years old [aOR=7.47 (95% CI: 1.78, 31.30)], adopting behavioral disengagement [aOR=1.94 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.87)] and self-blame [aOR= 1.74 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.30)] as coping strategies, were significant predictors of depression. ConclusionsThe findings estimate the mental health burden among COVID-19 patients in Malaysia. The establishment of continuous mental health surveillance is essential in managing cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.

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Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081577 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1577

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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High Prevalence of Mental Disorder Symptoms Among Medical and Other Health Specialty Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.35546 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nayane Miranda Silva ◽

Rebeca da Nobrega Lucena Pinho ◽

Thais Ferreira Costa ◽

Adriana Ferreira Barros Areal ◽

André De Mattos Salles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Patient Health ◽

Psychological Pressure ◽

Coping Scale ◽

Potential Stressor

BACKGROUND The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic was first identified in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019, and spread across the world in a fast and disordered manner. Because of the pandemic, health professionals, including residents in medicine and other health specialties, began working under intense physical and psychological pressure daily and were exposed to a greater risk of developing mental disorders and psychological distress. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the prevalence of symptoms indicative of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress among postgraduate students who were residents in medicine and other health specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and identified possible associated predisposing factors. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study that included postgraduate students in medical and other health residency programmes in Brazil. The recruitment period was from July 29 to September 5, 2020. Epidemiological and clinical data, including evaluations of psychological and affective aspects, following a predefined protocol, were collected after the participants filled out an electronic form via the Microsoft Forms platform. RESULTS In total, 1,313 medical and other health residents participated in the study. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) identified depression, anxiety and stress in 51.3%, 53.4% and 52.6% of the participants, respectively. Based on the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), 61.9% of the participants had low resilience. A total of 60.9% of the residents had high scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9‐item depression module (PHQ-9). CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among medical and non-medical residents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Mental disorders are complex in nature, and the particular academic environment of residency, altered by the need to care for patients with COVID-19, can be a potential stressor and be associated with the high prevalence of these symptoms among residents. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/24298

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DOES CAFFEINE INTAKE INFLUENCE MENTAL HEALTH OF MEDICAL STUDENTS?

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine ◽

10.37268/mjphm/vol.21/no.2/art.626 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 22-28

Author(s):

Zaleha Md Isa ◽

Afraah Amani Anuar ◽

Amirul Danial Azmi ◽

Sanjeevaraj Tamil Selvan ◽

Noor Shafiqah Hisham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Caffeine Intake ◽

Caffeine Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Relationship Of

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) consumption among students is known to increase alertness and energy, as well as to alleviate stress. There has been an increase of caffeine consumption amongst young adults. Currently, there are no studies regarding caffeine consumption and its influence on mental health among Malaysians. We aimed to determine the relationship of caffeine consumption with depression, anxiety and stress among medical students. A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Data were collected via an online survey using two questionnaires, namely the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires on Caffeine Intake and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 262 medical students completed the survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 9.2%, 16.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Majority of students (98.5%) consumed caffeine from coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate drinks/food. The median daily caffeine consumption among consumers was 67.98 (25th,75th percentile: 24.83, 139.71) mg/day. There was a significant association between race and anxiety (p=0.038) in which the Malay students had the highest prevalence (21.1%), followed by Indian (16.1%), other races (15.4%) and Chinese students (3.8%). Caffeine consumption did not influence mental health of medical students in this study. Anxiety is the most prominent mental health problem among them. We recommend a programme tailored to medical students in recognising symptoms of mental health problems so that early intervention can be carried out.

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Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among People Under Quarantine During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.566241 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Tong Yan ◽

Wang Zhizhong ◽

Zheng Jianzhong ◽

Ying Yubo ◽

Liu Jie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Middle School Education ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Patient Health ◽

Effective Public Health

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine as an effective public health measure has been widely used in China and elsewhere to slow down the spread, while high-risk psychological response populations remain under-reported.Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the depressive and anxiety symptoms among the high-risk individuals quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.Methods: An online survey was conducted from February 29 to April 10, 2020, among individuals quarantined for at least 2 weeks due to the high-risk exposure. Chinese versions of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) with a seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were applied to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Compliance with quarantine and knowledge of COVID-19 was also assessed. An unconditional logistic regression model was performed to identify the correlators.Results: Of the 1,260 participants completing the full survey, 14.0% (95% CI: 12.2–16.1%), 7.1% (95% CI: 5.9–8.7%), and 6.3% (95% CI: 5.1–7.8%) had at least moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and a combination of depression and anxiety (CDA), respectively; 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0–16.9%) had at least one condition. Multivariate analysis showed that participants with an undergraduate or above degree were more likely to report depressive (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.56–5.72) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.14–7.63) than those with middle school education. Those who were unemployed (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21–0.65 for depression; OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.73 for anxiety), students (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.48 for depression; OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–0.85 for anxiety), and more knowledgeable of COVID-19 (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.96 for depression, OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98 for anxiety) were less likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms. Higher quarantine compliance correlated with lower risks of depressive (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.96) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98).Conclusion: Individuals under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic suffered prevalent depressive and anxiety symptoms. Consequently, comprehensive interventional measures, including knowledge dissemination, timely virus tests, and strengthened communication, may minimize quarantine's adverse effects.

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Prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated factors among school going adolescents in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0247898 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0247898

Author(s):

Md. Saiful Islam ◽

Md. Estiar Rahman ◽

Mst. Sabrina Moonajilin ◽

Jim van Os

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Multivariable Analyses ◽

Perceived Relationships

Background Common mental disorders in early life represent a major concern as they become more complex and intense with transition into adolescence. Despite global recognition of the significance of adolescent mental health, it remains a neglected area in research and health policy in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among school going adolescents in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 563 students aged 13–18 years at selected schools (secondary and higher secondary) in Dhaka City. After providing written informed consent, participants completed a survey examining socio-demographic variables, along with the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between variables under examination. Results The prevalence rates of moderate to severe levels of depression and anxiety were 26.5% and 18.1%, respectively. Based on multivariable analyses, unsatisfactory sleep (AOR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.81–5.53, p < .001), cigarette smoking (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.01–3.97, p = .048), and anxiety (AOR = 10.47; 95% CI = 6.11–17.95, p < .001) were associated with depression. Anxiety was associated with being 15–16 years (AOR = 2.66; 95% CI = 1.18–6.00, p = .018), not having good perceived relationships with friends (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.24–3.56, p = .006) and depression (AOR = 10.22; 95% CI = 6.01–17.38, p < .001). Conclusions Depression and anxiety were prevalent among school going adolescents in Bangladesh. The findings suggest epidemiological data can direct policy-level decisions regarding evaluation, prevention, and intervention of mental health conditions among school going adolescents in Bangladesh.

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Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.562437 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Elisabet Rondung ◽

Anna Leiler ◽

Jennifer Meurling ◽

Anna Bjärtå

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Early Stage ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Swedish Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

General Swedish Population

In this cross-sectional study we aimed to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore factors predictive of these mental health outcomes. A sample of 1,503 participants, recruited from the general Swedish population, completed an online survey distributed through social media. In this sample, 22.2% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 10.9% indicated possible major depression using the PHQ-9 algorithm. Moreover, 28.3% reported clinically significant levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 8) and 9.7% severe anxiety and possible GAD (GAD-7 ≥ 15). Multiple linear regression analyses identified some common predictors for both outcomes. Age, having a stable income, and sufficient social stimulation, sleep, and recovery showed negative associations, whereas worry about the economy and overall burden showed positive associations. These results suggest an impact on mental health already at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Depression, Anxiety and Depression-anxiety comorbidity amid COVID-19 Pandemic: An online survey conducted during lockdown in Nepal

10.1101/2020.04.30.20086926 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Anil Sigdel ◽

Anu Bista ◽

Navaraj Bhattarai ◽

Bimal Chandra Pun ◽

Govind Giri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Online Survey ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Co Morbidity

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health status during the lockdown period. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess prevalence of depression, anxiety and depression-anxiety comorbidity, and associated factors during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Nepal. Data was collected from April 9 to April 16, 2020 using an e-questionnaire which was shared through different popular social media. A total of 349 participants were included. Self-reported depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety tools respectively. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with depression, anxiety and depression and anxiety co-morbidity.ResultsThe prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and depression-anxiety co-morbidity were found to be 34.0%, 31.0% and 23.2% respectively. The multi-variate analysis showed that females, those living alone, health professionals and those who spent more time in accessing information about COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have depression, anxiety and depression-anxiety co-morbidity.ConclusionsHigh rates of depression and anxiety and co-morbidity were found to be prevailing among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Nepal. The results suggest that only the scientific, but contextually appropriate messages about the disease should be disseminated to reduce unnecessary fears and anxiety. Awareness interventions to promote mental wellbeing need to be integrated into the response interventions. Community mental health care should be made accessible to at-risk groups.

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Burden of depression and anxiety among leprosy affected and associated factors—A cross sectional study from India

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009030 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. e0009030

Author(s):

Karthikeyan Govindasamy ◽

Immanuel Jacob ◽

Raju Moturu Solomon ◽

Joydeepa Darlong

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Economic Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

Background Leprosy is a Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) known to cause stigma and discrimination in low-and middle-income countries. It often results in visible impairments, thus pre-disposing to poor mental health. Aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among people affected by Leprosy and to determine the associated factors. Methodology/Principal findings A multi-centric, cross-sectional study was carried out in four leprosy endemic states of India—Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in randomly selected blocks (a sub-unit of district), from one district in each state. From selected blocks those registered for leprosy treatment at public health or referral centres, people above the age of 18 years were interviewed with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires for Depression and Anxiety, respectively. Disease profile like leprosy classification, deformity grade, number and site of the patches and socio-economic status were collected along with individual data. Of the total 220 respondents, prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was, 33% (73) and 19% (42), respectively. Presence of disability (47%) and Female gender (46%) were significantly associated with depression. Presence of disability (32%), Lower income group (27%) and low education (22%) were significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety. As the severity of disability increased, risk of developing depression and anxiety increased. Conclusion The study indicates that more than 30% of people affected by leprosy have mental health problems, which emphasizes the importance of mental health care services in leprosy. Women, those who had lower level of education, those belonging to lower socio-economic status and those with any level of disability due to leprosy are at risk of developing depression and/or anxiety. The study concludes more attention to be paid to the categories identified to be at risk.

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