Prevalence and Comorbidity of Depression and Anxiety among Medical Students in Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Depression and anxiety are mental health disorders which both result in high negative affect and are two of the most common mental health disorders globally. Stress is one factor implicated in the cause and aggravation of such mental disorders. Medicine is among some of the most stressful courses that a student can undertake in the university. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and comorbidity of depression and anxiety among medical students in Ogun state, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design Methodology: 225 medical students (MBBS) aged 15-26 (mean: 19.09±2.14), majority of whom were female (69.8%), attending a private university in Ogun state participated in the study. The levels of depression and anxiety were assessed by administering an instrument comprising of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: Findings indicated a prevalence of depression (moderate: 16.0%, severe: 9.8%) and anxiety (moderate: 11.1%, severe: 17.3%). The study revealed significant gender differences in the manifestation of depression (male: 19.1%, female: 28.7%) and anxiety (male: 13.3%, female: 35.0%) indicating that female students are more likely to be diagnosed with both disorders. The study identified a strong positive correlation between depression and anxiety in medical students (r = 0.803). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are significantly prominent disorders among medical students. Therefore, sensitization and periodic mental health screening for medical students should be carried out to ensure optimal health.