[Factors that predict depression in medical students]

High prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms has been observed in medical students.

To identify predictors of depressive symptoms according to CES-D in students during their first year of medical education.

We evaluated 517 students in their first year of medical education with the following instruments: Centers for Epidemiology Studies for Depression Scale, State-Trait anxiety inventory, and stressors list. A linear regression analysis was carried out to evaluate variables predicting high CES-D scores.

We observed that anxiety and depressive symptoms were more frequent in women, as well as stressors. Predictors of depression were state of anxiety, stressors, and low socioeconomic level.

It is important to implement support measures for students who live with stress factors, suffering anxiety, or with a low socioeconomic level.