Depression, anxiety, burnout and empathy among Spanish medical students

Abstract

Medical Education studies suggest that medical students experience mental distress in a proportion higher than in the rest of the population In the present study, we aimed to conduct a nationwide analysis of the prevalence of mental health problems among medical students. The study was carried out in 2020 in all 43 medical schools in Spain, and analyzes the prevalence of depression, anxiety, empathy and burnout among medical students (n = 5216). To measure these variables we used the Beck Depression Inventory Test for assessing depression, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey for Students was used for burnout, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to assess anxiety state and trait and the Jefferson Empathy Scale 12 to obtain empathy scores. In relation to depression, the data indicate an overall prevalence of 41%, with 23.4% of participants having moderate to severe levels, and 10% experiencing suicidal ideation. Burnout prevalence was 37%, significantly higher among 6th year than among 1st year students. Anxiety levels were consistent with those reported previously among medical students (25%), and were higher than in the general population for both trait and state anxiety. The prevalence of trait anxiety was higher among women. Empathy scores were at the top end of the scale, with the highest-scoring group (>130) containing a greater percentage of women. Similarly to those published previously for other countries, these results provide a clear picture of the mental disorders affecting Spanish medical students. Medicine is an extremely demanding degree and it is important that universities and medical schools view this study as an opportunity to ensure conditions that help minimize mental health problems among their students. Some of the factors underlying these problems can be prevented by, among other things, creating an environment in which mental health is openly discussed and guidance is provided. Other factors need to be treated medically, and medical schools and universities should therefore provide support to students in need through the medical services available within their institutions.

Associations between Body Image and Self-Perceived Physical Fitness in Future Spanish Teachers

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Purpose in Life and Character Strengths as Predictors of Health Sciences Students’ Psychopathology During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A recent analysis carried out by the State Council of Medical Students (CEEM in its Spanish acronym) concluded that up to 41% of medical students presented at least one sign of depression, and 24.7% experienced high levels of anxiety ( 5 ). In the same vein, some studies ( 3 , 4 ) have shown that nursing students experience signs of depression in a similar proportion to those in the CEEM study, but that they also show much higher levels of anxiety, at around 50%, with women predominating in both groups.…”

Medical empathy in medical students in Madrid: A proposal for empathy level cut-off points for Spain

“…Taken together, the studies suggest that psychological distress may be higher among female students [ 41 – 43 ]. A study conducted in all 43 medical Spanish schools shows similar results [ 44 ]. Lower levels of empathy are associated with greater burnout and a lower climate of professionalism [ 45 ].…”

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