Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Suicide Ideation Among Undergraduate Medical Students in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Studies reported significant levels of psychological morbidity from across the globe among undergraduate medical students. Present meta-analysis aimed to provide a most up to date comprehensive insight into the prevalence of depression, stress, anxiety and suicidal ideation among undergraduate medical students in India. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in three databases PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar from July 2023 to August 2023. Quality of included studies (43 studies, N=15557) was assessed using modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale and data was analyzed using MetaXL version 5.3. Pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals were determined using the random-effects model. Results: The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation was 48% (95% CI: 41-55%) (P 0.000, I2 = 98%), 54% (95% CI 42-58%) (P =0.00, I2 = 98%), 50% (95% CI 45-63%) (P =0.001, I2 = 99%) and 21% (95% CI: 9-35%) (P =0.000, I2 = 98%) respectively. Subgroup analysis showed more females than males students were affected from depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation. Conclusion: High prevalence of psychological disorders in medical students in India emphasize the need for the counselling services to control this morbidity and implement long term policies and programs at institutional level.

Keywords

• India
• Medical students
• Mental health
• Pooled prevalence
• Psychological disorders