Prevalence of depression among students of a dental tertiary care center in Kerala

Abstract

Introduction:According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people were estimated to suffer from depression in 2017. Many studies have observed that medical personnel have a higher level of depression, but studies among dentists are scarce. Early diagnosis will help in controlling the morbidity and mortality due to depression. Hence, this study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of depression among students of Government Dental College (GDC), Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the state of Kerala, India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at GDC, Thiruvananthapuram, for a period of 3 months from September to December 2017, using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and a pro forma comprising 37 questions. Students having PHQ scores >9 were considered to have depression. The questionnaire was administered on 364 students comprising undergraduate students, paradental students, house surgeons, and postgraduates. Separate sessions were arranged for each group and four reminders were given.Results:The prevalence of depression was estimated as 26.9% (95% confidence interval: 22.4–31.8). Being married, having high and average level of course satisfaction, and having close friends were found to act as independent protective factors, whereas female gender and breakups in relationships were found to be independent risk factors.Conclusion:It is high time we provide supportive programs and implement preventive measures to help professional students, especially those who are at higher risk of mental ill-health. Further studies need to be conducted to explore the academic reasons for depression.

Psychological Distress during COVID-19 Lockdown among Dental Students and Practitioners in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Before the pandemic, the contributing factors to depression were closely associated with relationship status and satisfaction in dentistry. 16 In this study, during the COVID-19 lockdown, depression among 60% of the students was associated with worry about professional growth due to reduced clinical training. Furthermore, potential professional growth, concern about clinical experiences and research experience, and other factors such as employment prospects are attributed to depression in 42, 53, and 60%, respectively.…”

“…Deficient clinical training, especially among interns (unable to fulfil the clinical quota, increased course completion length), will indeed be detrimental for professional growth and future employment. 16 17 A previous history of mental health problems also showed a significant association with depression among students. The findings of our study are similar to those of previous studies in which a previous history of mental health problems was associated with the current status of depression.…”

Prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among Polish dentistry students

“…Similarly, in a research carried out by Raghunathan et al among 364 Indian dental students, more female (28.4%) than male (20.8%) were screened positive for depression and the difference wasn't statistically significant. [12] In a study conducted by Galan et al among dental students enrolled at School of Dentistry of Seville, Spain gender was found to have no significant influence on the prevalence of depression. [9] Our research didn't find a link between the year of dental university education and depressive symptoms.…”

“…[4] Many risk factors contributing do occurrence of depressive symptoms among dental students can be distinguished, among others: female gender, problems with class friends, relationship problems, anticipation of family, peer pressure, lack of interest in profession, low satisfaction of relations with peers or academic teachers. [2,4,5,6] Whereas it was concluded that high or medium level of satisfaction from dentistry and close friends protects from emergence of depressive symptoms. [5] Additional factors that can influence the emergence of depression among dental students are internet addiction and lack of musical activity.…”

“…[2,4,5,6] Whereas it was concluded that high or medium level of satisfaction from dentistry and close friends protects from emergence of depressive symptoms. [5] Additional factors that can influence the emergence of depression among dental students are internet addiction and lack of musical activity. [7,8] Untreated depression can lead to serious consequences.…”