Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Quality and Suicide Ideation among Medical Students in Islamabad, Pakistan

الملخص

Background: Medical education is stressful and challenging, as it usually exposes students to multiple academic pressure, working long hours, and emotional stressors. The medical students are prone to developing mental health problems that may have a severe effect on their general well-being and academic performance. The purpose of the research study is to examine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and suicide ideation among medical students. Methods: The research study was cross-sectional, and the data were collected among medical students studying in different medical colleges and universities in Islamabad, Pakistan. The stratified random sampling was employed to represent various years of study and institutions. Data were collected using validated self-report questionnaires, such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. The administration of the data collection was based on a structured online survey, which guaranteed the confidentiality and anonymity of the participants. The data was analyzed using statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate analysis. Results: The data of 200 people were analyzed, and the proportion of males and females was equal. A significant number of people recognized the presence of stressors, with 39% of men and 27% of women reporting the existence of stressors. The use of benzodiazepines in sleep was on the lower side [12% in males and 8% in females]. A few participants (a small percentage) indicated that they had substance abuse. Most of them practiced exercise, although regular exercise was less common. The level of anxiety was different, and mild anxiety was the most frequent. The degree of depression was not very high, and the participants described different levels of sleep disturbances. A minor proportion was administered the Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation, and some of them had positive outcomes. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and suicide ideation among medical students in Pakistan. The findings suggest that medical students face significant mental health challenges, including high rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. These results emphasize the importance of addressing the mental well-being of medical students and implementing targeted interventions and support systems to promote their resilience and overall well-being.