Well-being and help-seeking: an exploratory study among final-year medical students

Time Perspective, Psychological Well-Being and Attitudes to Seeking Mental Health Services in Russian Y and Z Generations

Help-seeking of mental health professionals remains low, even in countries where mental health care is highly accessible. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research on the sociodemographic and psychological factors of attitudes toward seeking mental health services (ATSMHS) in different countries. The purpose of the present study was to identify the associations of the ATSMHS with psychological well-being and time perspective in the Russian Y and Z generations. The Y-Generation sample included 217 (69.9% female) respondents aged 22 to 39 years, and the Z-Generation sample included 256 (82.8% female) respondents aged 17 to 21 years. Russian versions of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) by Ryff, Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), and Inventory of Attitudes toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) by Mackenzie and colleagues were used for diagnostics. The main research findings show that (1) Personal growth is a positive predictor and the Fatalistic present is a negative predictor of ATSMHS in both generations, and (2) additional positive predictors of ATSMHS in the Y-Generation are Positive relations and Hedonistic present, and in the Z-Generation it is Future. These findings are important for developing programs to maintain, preserve, and prevent mental health across generations.

The associations between coping resources and help-seeking intention in a sample of Chinese first-year medical students: mediation effects of coping strategies

BACKGROUND

Help-seeking is an adaptive coping process encompassing orientation, intention and actual behaviors. Help-seeking intention which promotes help-seeking behavior is a protective factor for mental health. However, the psychological paths for help-seeking intention in first-year medical students, a population vulnerable to mental health challenges, remain elusive. Thus, we aim to explore the associations between coping resources (i.e., perceived social support (PSS) and self-compassion) and formal/informal help-seeking intention, and to further test the mediating role of coping strategies (i.e., active coping and behavioral disengagement) in these relationships.

METHODS

The sample included 792 Chinese first-year medical students. Validated scale was used to assess PSS. The Self-compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF) and the Brief COPE were employed to evaluate self-compassion and coping strategies. Multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analyses indicated that PSS, self-compassion, active coping, and behavioral disengagement were significantly associated with formal/informal help-seeking intention. SEM further demonstrated that active coping significantly mediated the relationships between PSS and formal/informal help-seeking intention, as well as the relationships between self-compassion and formal/informal help-seeking intention. Moreover, behavioral disengagement was found to significantly mediate the association between self-compassion and formal help-seeking intention.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified five significant mediation paths, indicating the intricate relationships between coping resources, coping strategies, and help-seeking intention. These findings offer actionable insights for interventions, suggesting that enhancing PSS and fostering self-compassion can promote active coping, reduce behavioral disengagement, and ultimately increase both formal and informal help-seeking intention among first-year medical students in China.

Status of professional mental health help-seeking intention associated factors among medical students: a cross-sectional study in China

Aim

Low professional help-seeking intention (PHSI) hinders effective treatment of mental illness. PHSI among Chinese students is still understudied and under-recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the status of PHSI and its associated risk factors among Chinese medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hainan province, South China, between January 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021. A total of 2182 medical students were recruited and surveyed via an anonymous structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with PHSI.

Results

Among the 2182 medical students (mean age 21.0 years (SD = 3.70), 61.5% females), those with and without PHSI were 72.0% and 28.0%, and 16.4% with moderate to severe depression. Male students, those with a high level of depression stigma, serious family dysfunction, and heavy dependence on mobile phones were significantly less likely to seek professional mental health help, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.5, 2.0, 2.1, and 1.7, respectively.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of Chinese medical students demonstrate low PHSI, influenced by factors such as gender, depression stigma, family dysfunction, and mobile phone dependence. Future interventions aimed at increasing medical students' PHSI should prioritize reducing depression stigma, mitigating reliance on mobile phone use, and enhancing family function to address these key barriers to seeking professional mental health support.

Prevalence of self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and associated factors in the period of distance learning

OBJECTIVE

Assess the prevalence of self-reported TMD symptoms and anxiety and check the quality of sleep and life during the distance learning period in university students at the University of Brasilia (UnB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The participants were students from the Health Sciences College and Medicine College at UnB. Self-administered questionnaires were used to evaluate symptoms of TMD, quality of life, and sleep quality. One-way analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni test, and Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's test, were performed (P < 0.05). For qualitative data analysis, the chi-square test was applied (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Total 156 students were included; prevalence of TMD, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and poor sleep quality was 73.1%, 84%, 12.8%, and 62.8%, respectively. A greater prevalence of painful TMD was observed in students with severe anxiety (P = 0.007). Students with symptoms of painful TMD, severe anxiety, and sleep disorders had statistically worse quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of distance learning in health courses to replace classroom teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted TMD prevalence, anxiety, quality of life, and sleep quality.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Psychological factors are directly associated with TMD symptoms and quality of life, TMD conditions are related to quality of life as well. COVID-19 pandemic and the distance learning in health courses are new situations that can lead to a great impact on mental health and in consequence to TMD conditions and quality of life.

Student support in higher education: campus service utilization, impact, and challenges

Worldwide, university student support services facilitate student performance, contribute to students' success, and increase students' chances of degree completion. Student support services programs' success depends on students' help-seeking behavior. This study explores the help-seeking behavior of Foundation Program and Undergraduate students at Qatar University (QU) through their use of campus services to better understand students' use of these services. The study examines the association between help-seeking behavior, as indicated through services, on student success and persistence in two consecutive semesters, Spring 2019 and Fall 2019. Findings report a significant association between students' services and student success and persistence. A significant difference was reported between at-risk students' majors and at-risk students in STEM and non-STEM majors. Also, there was a difference in the help-seeking behavior among males and females, nationals and non-nationals, and student classifications.

University students' use of mental health services: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

International estimates suggest around a third of students arrives at university with symptoms indicative of a common mental disorder, many in late adolescence at a developmentally high-risk period for the emergence of mental disorder. Universities, as settings, represent an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of population mental health. We sought to understand what is known about the management of student mental health, and asked: (1) What proportion of students use mental health services when experiencing psychological distress? (2) Does use by students differ across health service types?

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using a Context, Condition, Population framework (CoCoPop) with a protocol preregistered on Prospero (CRD42021238273). Electronic database searches in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC and CINAHL Plus, key authors were contacted, citation searches were conducted, and the reference list of the WHO World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS) was searched. Data extraction was performed using a pre-defined framework, and quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Data were synthesised narratively and meta-analyses at both the study and estimate level.

RESULTS

7789 records were identified through the search strategies, with a total of 44 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The majority of included studies from the USA (n = 36), with remaining studies from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Ethiopia and Italy. Overall, studies contained 123 estimates of mental health service use associated with a heterogeneous range of services, taking highly variable numbers of students across a variety of settings.

DISCUSSION

This is the first systematic quantitative survey of student mental health service use. The empirical literature to date is very limited in terms of a small number of international studies outside of the USA; studies of how services link together, and of student access. The significant variation we found in the proportions of students using services within and between studies across different settings and populations suggests the current services described in the literature are not meeting the needs of all students.

-Barriers faced by medical students in seeking mental healthcare: A scoping review

Background: Medical students commonly exhibit mental health issues. Despite the availability of professionals on medical campuses, seeking help continues to be a challenge for some students. Our review aimed to identify the barriers medical students face when seeking professional mental healthcare. Methods: A Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search was created for articles using PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO databases to identify articles specifically about medical students and their barriers to professional mental healthcare. Inclusion criteria included articles in which barriers to mental healthcare were either the primary variable or one of multiple study results. No date limits were imposed. Reviews, pilot projects, or articles that did not address barriers to mental healthcare faced by medical students or focused on veterinary or dental students were excluded. A total of 454 articles were identified and screened by title/abstract and then full text. Data were extracted from 33 articles using an independent framework. Barriers identified were compiled and reported.  Results: From a total of 33 articles, the most identified barriers were fear of negative effect on residency/career opportunities, fear of confidentiality breach, stigma and fear of shaming from peers, lack of perceived seriousness/normalization of symptoms, lack of time, and fear of documentation on academic record. Students also preferred to seek care outside of their institution from fear of their provider being an academic preceptor.  Conclusions: Many of the barriers to mental healthcare faced by medical students relate to a fear of academic and career reprisal, and fear of confidentiality breach. It appears that despite recent efforts to decrease stigma surrounding mental illness, many medical students struggle to seek appropriate support. Access to mental healthcare can be improved by increasing transparency regarding what information will be displayed on academic records, dispelling common myths about mental healthcare, and increasing awareness about resources available for medical students.

Depressive disorders in Thai medical students: an exploratory study of institutional, cultural, and individual factors

OBJECTIVES

This exploratory qualitative study conducted among Thai medical students aimed to investigate factors related to the development of medical students' depression and how these factors interact in contributing to depressive disorders.

METHODS

Forty-three undergraduate medical students of the six-year Doctor of Medicine program were identified as having moderate to severe depression on an annual depression screening. From these, eighteen students agreed to participate in individual in-depth interviews. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed by independent reviewers using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Among 43 participants screened as having moderate-to-severe depression, major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder were 9.3% and 14.0%, respectively. Reported factors related to medical students' disorders were personal vulnerabilities, medical educational administration, academic achievement, learning environment, intrinsic motivation, self-care and self-management, relationship, and community. In particular, lack of social support and relationship problems were mentioned among those with more severe and persistent symptoms. Protective factors were social support, positive relationships, a growth mindset, spiritual and mindfulness practices, and an adequate mentoring program.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students' depression and suicidal ideations are significant concerns in Thai medical education. Besides personal vulnerabilities, high expectations, the value placed on academic achievement, and relationship problems can precipitate the onset of depressive disorders, if not being properly addressed. The 4P framework of predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors are suggested to understand the onset and development of students' depressive disorders and to identify targets for institutional and educational intervention.

Implementation of a Longitudinal Mentorship Program for Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Motivation of Brazilian Medical Students

OBJECTIVES

Mentoring has been used as a strategy for mental health prevention and the promotion of quality of life in medical students, with mixed results. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of mental health, quality of life, and academic motivation of medical students after implementation of a longitudinal curricular mentoring program relative to those students without mentoring in their curricula.

METHOD

The results of the mentoring program were assessed by comparing two classes of 2nd-year students of a school of medicine (one that had received mentoring since admission and another which had no exposure to the method during the course). Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographics, quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), mental health (DASS-21), and academic motivation (Academic Motivation Scale-AMS).

RESULTS

A total of 95 medical students were included: 55 received the mentoring program and 40 did not receive the program. The Multivariate GLM regression model revealed no significant main effect of mentoring on domains of the WHOQOL-BREF (Wilks's Lambda = 0.938, F = 1.427, p < 0.232); the DASS-21 (Wilks's Lambda = 0.051, p < 0.985); or the AMS (Wilks's Lambda = 0.957, F = 0.628, p < 0.708). Likewise, the Univariate GLM regression showed no significant main effect of mentoring on medical students' perceived health (F = 0.585; d.f. = 1; p = 0.446).

CONCLUSION

Mentoring promoted no significant changes in the students of this Brazilian institution. These results highlight the challenges faced in structuring, maintaining, and assessing an effective mentoring program for students on medicine courses.

The Global Prevalence of Anxiety Among Medical Students: A Meta-Analysis

Anxiety, although as common and arguably as debilitating as depression, has garnered less attention, and is often undetected and undertreated in the general population. Similarly, anxiety among medical students warrants greater attention due to its significant implications. We aimed to study the global prevalence of anxiety among medical students and the associated factors predisposing medical students to anxiety. In February 2019, we carried out a systematic search for cross-sectional studies that examined the prevalence of anxiety among medical students. We computed the aggregate prevalence and pooled odds ratio (OR) using the random-effects model and used meta-regression analyses to explore the sources of heterogeneity. We pooled and analyzed data from sixty-nine studies comprising 40,348 medical students. The global prevalence rate of anxiety among medical students was 33.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 29.2–38.7%). Anxiety was most prevalent among medical students from the Middle East and Asia. Subgroup analyses by gender and year of study found no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of anxiety. About one in three medical students globally have anxiety—a prevalence rate which is substantially higher than the general population. Administrators and leaders of medical schools should take the lead in destigmatizing mental illnesses and promoting help-seeking behaviors when students are stressed and anxious. Further research is needed to identify risk factors of anxiety unique to medical students.

Mental Well-being of the First and Final-Year Medical and Dental Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Background and Aim:

Medical and dental students are predisposed to developing psychiatric disorders owing to heavy physical, intellectual, and emotional activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the mental health status of medical and dental students.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on the first- and final-year medical and dental students at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The mental health status was measured by the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) involving somatic, social, anxiety, and depression domains. Scores > 6 (out of 28) and > 2 (out of 7) were considered to show psychiatric disorder for each domain, respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS-18 using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests (P< 0.05).

Results:

The participants consisted of 246 students (39.4% first- and 37.8% last-year medical students; 8.1% first- and 14.6% last-year dental students) aged 18-37 years (22.6 ± 3.3). Psychiatric disorder, somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety, and depression were experienced by 44.7, 42.7, 46.3, 49.6, and 28.5% of the students, respectively. The prevalence of psychiatric disorder was comparable between the first- and final-year medical students (40.2% and 48.4%, respectively;P= 0.258). The final-year dental students significantly underwent more psychiatric disorder than the first-year dental students (61.1% and 20%, respectively;P= 0.003). There were no significant differences between the medical and dental students in the first (P= 0.089) and final (P= 0.196) years. There was also no significant association between the occurrence of psychiatric disorder and gender and age group (P> 0.05).

Conclusion:

Psychiatric disorder was common among dental and medical students. Hence, preventive and control measures are suggested to improve their mental health.

Saúde mental em estudantes de medicina

Estudantes de medicina constituem um grupo muito suscetível ao desenvolvimento de Transtornos Mentais Comuns (TMC). A necessidade de acompanhamento dos estudantes de medicina motivou um levantamento em um curso de Medicina. Utilizou-se o GHQ-12. Dos 631 alunos obteve-se 67,82% (428) de cobertura. A prevalência de TMC atingiu 58,8% dos discentes, com maior ocorrência no terceiro ano e nos últimos dois anos. Os resultados demonstram a necessidade de suporte acadêmico, para evitar desdobramentos graves e danosos à saúde mental, como também para uma melhora no acolhimento exercido aos seus futuros pacientes, ampliando a qualidade e humanizando a medicina.

Mental health problems among medical students in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:

To provide a comprehensive picture of mental health problems (MHPs) in Brazilian medical students by documenting their prevalence and association with co-factors.

Methods:

We systematically searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of MHPs among medical students in Brazil published before September 29, 2016. We pooled prevalences using a random-effects meta-analysis, and summarized factors associated with MHP.

Results:

We included 59 studies in the analysis. For meta-analyses, we identified the summary prevalence of different MHPs, including depression (25 studies, prevalence 30.6%), common mental disorders (13 studies, prevalence 31.5%), burnout (three studies, prevalence 13.1%), problematic alcohol use (three studies, prevalence 32.9%), stress (six studies, prevalence 49.9%), low sleep quality (four studies, prevalence 51.5%), excessive daytime sleepiness (four studies, prevalence 46.1%), and anxiety (six studies, prevalence 32.9%). Signs of lack of motivation, emotional support, and academic overload correlated with MHPs.

Conclusion:

Several MHPs are highly prevalent among future physicians in Brazil. Evidence-based interventions and psychosocial support are needed to promote mental health among Brazilian medical students.

Medical Student Beliefs about Disclosure of Mental Health Issues: A Qualitative Study

In 2012 the United Kingdom's General Medical Council (GMC) commissioned research to develop guidance for medical schools on how best to support students with mental illness. One of the key findings from medical student focus groups in the study was students' strong belief that medical schools excluded students on mental health grounds. Students believed mental illness was a fitness to practice matter that led to eventual dismissal, although neither personal experience nor empirical evidence supported this belief. The objective of the present study was a deeper exploration of this belief and its underlying social mechanisms. This included any other beliefs that influenced medical students' reluctance to disclose a mental health problem, the factors that reinforced these beliefs, and the feared consequences of revealing a mental illness. The study involved a secondary analysis of qualitative data from seven focus groups involving 40 student participants across five UK medical schools in England, Scotland, and Wales. Student beliefs clustered around (1) the unacceptability of mental illness in medicine, (2) punitive medical school support systems, and (3) the view that becoming a doctor is the only successful career outcome. Reinforcing mechanisms included pressure from senior clinicians, a culture of "presenteeism," distrust of medical school staff, and expectations about conduct. Feared consequences centered on regulatory "fitness to practice" proceedings that would lead to expulsion, reputational damage, and failure to meet parents' expectations. The study's findings provide useful information for veterinary medical educators interested in creating a culture that encourages the disclosure of mental illness and contributes to the debate about mental illness within the veterinary profession.

Prevalence of Depression, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IMPORTANCE

Medical students are at high risk for depression and suicidal ideation. However, the prevalence estimates of these disorders vary between studies.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in medical students.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

Systematic search of EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, psycARTICLES, and psycINFO without language restriction for studies on the prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, or suicidal ideation in medical students published before September 17, 2016. Studies that were published in the peer-reviewed literature and used validated assessment methods were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Information on study characteristics; prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation; and whether students who screened positive for depression sought treatment was extracted independently by 3 investigators. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Differences by study-level characteristics were estimated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Point or period prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, or suicidal ideation as assessed by validated questionnaire or structured interview.

RESULTS

Depression or depressive symptom prevalence data were extracted from 167 cross-sectional studies (n = 116 628) and 16 longitudinal studies (n = 5728) from 43 countries. All but 1 study used self-report instruments. The overall pooled crude prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms was 27.2% (37 933/122 356 individuals; 95% CI, 24.7% to 29.9%, I2 = 98.9%). Summary prevalence estimates ranged across assessment modalities from 9.3% to 55.9%. Depressive symptom prevalence remained relatively constant over the period studied (baseline survey year range of 1982-2015; slope, 0.2% increase per year [95% CI, -0.2% to 0.7%]). In the 9 longitudinal studies that assessed depressive symptoms before and during medical school (n = 2432), the median absolute increase in symptoms was 13.5% (range, 0.6% to 35.3%). Prevalence estimates did not significantly differ between studies of only preclinical students and studies of only clinical students (23.7% [95% CI, 19.5% to 28.5%] vs 22.4% [95% CI, 17.6% to 28.2%]; P = .72). The percentage of medical students screening positive for depression who sought psychiatric treatment was 15.7% (110/954 individuals; 95% CI, 10.2% to 23.4%, I2 = 70.1%). Suicidal ideation prevalence data were extracted from 24 cross-sectional studies (n = 21 002) from 15 countries. All but 1 study used self-report instruments. The overall pooled crude prevalence of suicidal ideation was 11.1% (2043/21 002 individuals; 95% CI, 9.0% to 13.7%, I2 = 95.8%). Summary prevalence estimates ranged across assessment modalities from 7.4% to 24.2%.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this systematic review, the summary estimate of the prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms among medical students was 27.2% and that of suicidal ideation was 11.1%. Further research is needed to identify strategies for preventing and treating these disorders in this population.

Prevalence of Depression, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Medical students are at high risk for depression and suicidal ideation. However, the prevalence estimates of these disorders vary between studies.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in medical students.

Data Sources and Study Selection

Systematic search of EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, psycARTICLES, and psycINFO without language restriction for studies on the prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, or suicidal ideation in medical students published before September 17, 2016. Studies that were published in the peer-reviewed literature and used validated assessment methods were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Information on study characteristics; prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation; and whether students who screened positive for depression sought treatment was extracted independently by 3 investigators. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Differences by study-level characteristics were estimated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Point or period prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, or suicidal ideation as assessed by validated questionnaire or structured interview.

Results

Depression or depressive symptom prevalence data were extracted from 167 cross-sectional studies (n = 116 628) and 16 longitudinal studies (n = 5728) from 43 countries. All but 1 study used self-report instruments. The overall pooled crude prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms was 27.2% (37 933/122 356 individuals; 95% CI, 24.7% to 29.9%, I2 = 98.9%). Summary prevalence estimates ranged across assessment modalities from 9.3% to 55.9%. Depressive symptom prevalence remained relatively constant over the period studied (baseline survey year range of 1982-2015; slope, 0.2% increase per year [95% CI, -0.2% to 0.7%]). In the 9 longitudinal studies that assessed depressive symptoms before and during medical school (n = 2432), the median absolute increase in symptoms was 13.5% (range, 0.6% to 35.3%). Prevalence estimates did not significantly differ between studies of only preclinical students and studies of only clinical students (23.7% [95% CI, 19.5% to 28.5%] vs 22.4% [95% CI, 17.6% to 28.2%]; P = .72). The percentage of medical students screening positive for depression who sought psychiatric treatment was 15.7% (110/954 individuals; 95% CI, 10.2% to 23.4%, I2 = 70.1%). Suicidal ideation prevalence data were extracted from 24 cross-sectional studies (n = 21 002) from 15 countries. All but 1 study used self-report instruments. The overall pooled crude prevalence of suicidal ideation was 11.1% (2043/21 002 individuals; 95% CI, 9.0% to 13.7%, I2 = 95.8%). Summary prevalence estimates ranged across assessment modalities from 7.4% to 24.2%.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review, the summary estimate of the prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms among medical students was 27.2% and that of suicidal ideation was 11.1%. Further research is needed to identify strategies for preventing and treating these disorders in this population.

Effect of classic massage in quality of life of university students

Abstract Introduction : Due to often excessive academic activities, some university students are affected by stress, anxiety and depression, which can negatively influence quality of life. The classical massage was tested as a strategy for improving quality of life, since it presents psychogenic effects that contribute to this. Objective : To evaluate the effects of classical massage on quality of life, in stress, anxiety, depression and cardiorespiratory variables of university students. Methods : The sample consisted of an intervention group and a control group. While the intervention group (n = 10) received ten massage sessions, twice a week, for 30 minutes in the region of the cervical and thoracic spine, the control group (n = 12) received no intervention. For evaluating psychological variables, the Quality of Life Scale, the Lipp Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. To assess cardiorespiratory variables, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate were measured. Results : There was a significant improvement in quality of life and significant decrease in cardiorespiratory variables. Conclusion : The classic massage can be a strategy for the improvement of quality of life in university students who present symptoms of stress, anxiety, elevation of blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate.

Common mental disorders and associated factors among final-year healthcare students

OBJECTIVE

to assess the prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD) and to identify potential associated factors among medical, dental and nursing students.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study conducted in a public university in Northeast Brazil with 172 undergraduate students of the last three semesters of the medicine, dentistry and nursing courses, in February 2010, using the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and a structured questionnaire developed by the authors. Logistic regression was performed for data analysis.

RESULTS

the prevalence of CMD was 33.7%. The courses presented no differences in CMD prevalence. The logistic regression analysis showed a strong association of the following variables with CMD: female (OR=4.34), lack of good expectations regarding the future (OR=5.83), course as not a source of pleasure (OR=7.52) and feeling emotionally tense (OR=11.23).

CONCLUSION

the high prevalence suggests that immediate preventive measures should be implemented, such as the setting up of psycho-pedagogic support services for students, and teacher development programs.

Support for medical students with mental health problems: a conceptual model

OBJECTIVE

Medical students experience higher prevalence of mental illness than age-matched controls and are less likely to access appropriate help when this happens. The aim of this study was to determine the range of strategies deployed by medical schools to support medical students with mental health concerns and to use this to identify distinct categories.

METHODS

Websites and documents relating to all 32 UK medical schools were looked at, as were reports for quality assurance visits carried out by the General Medical Council (UK). A structured telephone interview was carried out with medical schools. Support services were examined by tracing the path that might be taken by a hypothetical student with mental health concerns of varying severity, seeing what was required and what was available at each stage.

RESULTS

A range of support strategies is available to most medical students both from their medical school and from generic services in the university. Medical students will usually first contact a personal tutor or a senior member of faculty or be contacted by them as a result of concerns raised either via performance issues or by another student. While individual support interventions are mostly based on evidence of effectiveness, there is no unifying theory in terms of what constitutes effective support. To enable analysis of support interventions and comparison across providers, a six-stage conceptual model of prevention was developed. The six stages are the following: prevention, identification, referral, escalation, treatment, and reintegration.

CONCLUSIONS

The staged model, derived from analysis of existing interventions, provides a framework for evaluation of current provision and comparison of different methods of delivery. Moreover, it provides a framework for future research.

Prevalence of stress in Casablanca medical students: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Recently, an important literature data has reported that medical students experience stress more than students in other disciplines. In contrast, there is a significant shortage of the stress impact on the academic performance. The primary purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of stress among Casablanca Medical students and to investigate if there is an association between stress and academic skills.

METHODS

A total of 275 participants studying at Casablanca Medical School were included. The study was conducted using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire, which included four subscales on academic skills perception (Academic competence, Test competence, Time management and Strategic study habits) and a Test Anxiety scale to assess the degree of stress related to exams among medical students.

RESULTS

The overall findings showed that 52.7% of respondents were stressed by examinations, and the highest stress prevalence was among the fifth-year medical students. Measures of comparative stress degrees between male and female students did not show any statistical significant differences (p=0.34). Correlation analysis revealed negative association between stress and academic competence (-0.394), test competence (-0.426), time management (-0.240), strategic study (-0.183) respectively (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Medical educators and psychologists have to increase clinical awareness of stress among medical students, by establishing strategies for stress management.

Cognitive-enhancing substance use at German universities: frequency, reasons and gender differences

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to give an overview whether German students regularly use stimulants for enhancing their academic performance. Reasons associated with the use of these substances were explored. Moreover, gender differences were analyzed.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was performed analyzing a random sample of 1,053 students of different fields of study in Germany. Students were asked to complete an anonymous self-administered web-based survey containing questions on cognitive performance-enhancing substance use. We used statistical analyses, e.g. non-parametric tests to evaluate the data of our questionnaire.

RESULTS

Among 1,053 students, 61 % responded to our questionnaire. The average age was M = 24.58; 635 participants were female and 418 were male students. Total 1-13 % of the participating students have taken prescription stimulants (e.g. modafinil) or illicit drugs (e.g. cannabis) at least once in their lifetime. The most common reasons for taking stimulants were to support concentration, to relax and to increase alertness. We found significant gender differences with regard to frequency and reason for using performance-enhancing substances.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results give an overview about the actual situation on frequency and reasons for taking performance-enhancing substances. Departments of Public Health should address this issue in national health debates and discussions. Based on our study findings health education programmes should be developed.