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Understanding mental health challenges in health students
Sergio Baldassin1,2,3, Anderson Sousa Martins-Da-Silva4,5, João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia4
1Department of Neuroscience, ABC Health University Center, Santo André, Brazil. sergio.baldassin@fmabc.br.
BMC Medical Education
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Healthcare students face mental health challenges. This study found that depression severity significantly impacts help-seeking behaviors, with less severe cases more likely to seek spontaneous support.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Mental Health Research
- Student Well-being
Background:
- Healthcare students, including those in Medicine, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy, experience significant mental health challenges.
- Previous research indicates a growing concern for the psychological well-being of students in these demanding fields.
- Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety is crucial for developing effective support systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among 780 undergraduate healthcare students.
- To explore factors associated with these mental health conditions.
- To investigate the help-seeking behaviors of these students.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 780 medical records from healthcare students.
- Administration of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) to assess symptoms.
- Exploration of demographic data and help-seeking patterns.
Main Results:
- Out of 584 students who completed questionnaires, significant differences in depression and anxiety symptoms were observed across Medicine, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy programs.
- Medical students showed higher spontaneous help-seeking, while Nursing and Occupational Therapy students were more likely to be referred by professors.
- Depression severity was a significant predictor of help-seeking behavior, with less severe cases seeking help more readily.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the need for proactive mental health support tailored to healthcare students.
- Interventions should consider the varying needs and help-seeking preferences across different healthcare disciplines.
- Promoting mental health, self-care, and skill development is essential for students, educators, and institutions.
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