PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/jecm.2026.03.04Keywords:
depression, anxiety, stress, DASS-21, medical students, mental health, GeorgiaAbstract
Background: Mental health problems are increasingly common among university students, particularly among medical students, who are exposed to high academic workload, clinical responsibilities, and lifestyle-related stressors.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among students of Tbilisi State Medical University using the DASS-21 scale.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 students of Tbilisi State Medical University. Participants included Georgian- and English-language medical students from the fourth, fifth, and sixth years, as well as Georgian-language students of the Faculty of Public Health and Management. A confidential and anonymous electronic questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms. The DASS-21 scale was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed using Stata 14.0.
Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among students. Severe or extremely severe depression was observed in 26.43% of respondents, anxiety in 22.86%, and stress in 16.79%. Anxiety was the most prevalent condition overall, with 48.22% of students reporting symptoms of varying severity. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were more prevalent among female students, though not in a statistically significant way. Senior-year students were more likely to experience depression and stress compared to junior-year students. Higher levels of depression and anxiety were significantly associated (p<0.05) with several social, health-related, and lifestyle factors including low socioeconomic status, sleep disturbances, relationships with parents, low self-esteem, satisfaction with the chosen profession. Higher stress was related to skipping breakfast (p=0.009) and consumption of energy drinks (p=0.021). A significant proportion of students also perceived their lives as stressful.
Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress are widely prevalent among medical university students and are associated with multiple personal, social, academic, and lifestyle-related factors. The findings highlight the need for systematic mental health support, preventive interventions, stress management programs, and accessible psychological services within the university setting.
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