Authors: Mwita M, Makola A.M, Beda M, Magwiza C.
Background: Depression and suicidality is an alarming concern among medical students and a common cause for supplementary, failure and dropouts but the prevalence levels among Tanzanian university students are poorly understood. A better understanding of depression and its correlates is essential in planning for appropriate interventions in this population group.
Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and suicidal behavior among medical students in Mwanza Tanzania.
Method: This was a cross sectional study were a total of 353 medical students were recruited and interviewed by using patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). The sample size was randomly selected from each year of study.
Results: Study participants were 54% males with 93% of the participants being single. Of the study participants, 71.39% were sponsored by the Higher Education Students Loans Board (HESLB) while 23.51 were self-sponsored and 5.10% were receiving grants from the Ministry of health. The overall prevalence of depression was 41.36% with 26.35%, 10.76%, 3.68% and 0.57% having mild, moderate moderately severe and severe depression respectively. 11.6% of the participants had thoughts to better being dead or hurting themselves. Year of study and accommodation type showed statistically significant correlation with depression.
Limitations: A cross sectional study was used which relies on self-report of symptoms which could lead to recall bias. Despite that the study was done in the largest university in the lake and western zone of Tanzania which serves a diverse population, still regional differences could be there.
Conclusion: Depression and suicidal behaviors among medical students is an alarming concern. Students support center is essential in higher institutions of learning for earlier detection, prevention and intervention to reduce morbidity.
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