Depression among undergraduate medical and engineering students: A comparative study
Naveed Ali Siddiqui1, Saba Fatima2, Fatima Bint Taj3
1Naveed Ali Siddiqui, MBBS, MPhil, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Engineering students in Karachi exhibit higher depression rates compared to medical students. Further research into causes and interventions is recommended for professional programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Student Mental Health
Background:
- Student mental health is a growing concern in higher education.
- Professional programs like medicine and engineering place unique pressures on students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare depression prevalence among medical and engineering students in Karachi, Pakistan.
- To identify potential differences in mental well-being between these student groups.
Main Methods:
- A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi's medical and engineering colleges.
- A sample of 362 students was surveyed using a modified, self-administered questionnaire.
- The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) was used to assess depression levels.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher rate of depression was observed in engineering students (82.87%) compared to medical students (56.9%).
- Overall depression severity ranged from mild to very severe, with 30.1% of students being normal.
Conclusions:
- Depression is more prevalent among engineering students than medical students in Karachi.
- Qualitative studies and targeted interventions are recommended to address depression in professional programs, particularly for engineering students.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
334
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
334
01:05Long-term Depression
32.7K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
32.7K
01:03Long-term Depression
2.9K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.9K
01:18Depression: Overview
636
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
636
01:30Stress and Mental Health
393
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
393
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
405
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
405