and its relationship with other psychosocial variables. Method: A prevalence study was done using an anonymous and voluntary survey among medical students from the 1st to the 7th year of studies that was applied after informed consent was signed. Psychosocial variables were studied and Goldberg Questionnaire (GHQ-12 items) was applied along with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI 21 items). Results: 74% answered the questionnaire. 39% presented a positive Goldberg test and 21% presented a positive BDI. Presence of emotional symptoms was associated to women and to having recently suffered a personal event. Twelve % of all students were under professional treatment, but of those with a positive BDI, only 47% were under treatment. Men and those who fi nance their studies through a student's loan or a scholarship were at higher risk of being untreated. Discussion: Prevalence of symptoms associated to mental problems was higher among medical students than the one found in the general population, although comparison must be treated cautiously given the different instruments used in each study. Medicine schools should be aware of these issues and be prepared to identify and help those students in need of support.
to study their relationship with other psychosocial variables and contrast with previous studies. Methods: a voluntary and self-report survey was designed, which included the Goldberg Abbreviated General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and questions taken from the National Health Survey on suicide risk. Results: 559 students answered from a total of 857 (65,2%). 33,% observed positive GHQ-12, 66,4% positive BDI and 34,9% positive BAI. Regarding suicide risk, 19,1% have moderate risk and 6,1% high risk. An association was found with the variables sex, course, fail some branch during the race and stressful life event. Conclusions: the medical students of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, and risk of suicide than the general chilean population. Also, our students have higher rates compared to other studies conducted in the same population during previous years.
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