Prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among Spanish medical students

Abstract

Introduction. Several international studies show high rates of depression and suicidal ideation in medical students. However, no specific data is available in Spanish students. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in the Faculty of Medicine of Valencia, as well as its relationship with other variables of interest.

Methods. In April 2018, all students enrolled in the Medical Degree of the University of Valencia were invited to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The students participated voluntarily and the answers were anonymized.

Results. A total of 858 students (69.2% women) completed the survey (response rate of 44.7%). More than a third of the sample (39.1%) had depressive symptoms, of mild to severe intensity, while 15.8% of the students reported recent suicidal ideation. Significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms were found in women, as well as in those with a worse satisfaction with academic results, a greater perception of the need for psychological support due to recent mental health problems and in those who had ever consulted with health professionals for a mental health problem (29.4%).

Conclusions. These results are consistent with the prevalence of depression in medical students from other countries and suggest comparative studies in other Spanish universities. Medical schools should incorporate interventions to provide students with tools that improve their mental health.