PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG STUDENTS OF MEDICAL COLLEGES.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students of public and private sector medical colleges. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration and place of study: Medical colleges of public and private sector in Lahore. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out in 2018. A stratified random sample method was used and 93 students were selected. A standardized questionnaire based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was distributed among medical students randomly after taking informed consent ethical approval was given by ethical review committee, PIMS SZABMU. Results: Mean age of sample was 21.81 +- 1.03 in a sample of 93 students. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was 22.6% and 7.5% respectively. Female showed a higher prevalence of anxiety (76%) and depression (85.7%). Levels of anxiety and depression were found to be more in public sector medical students and more in younger age than in elder. Conclusion: This study suggests that medical students experience anxiety and depression; however prevalence of anxiety is more. Depression and anxiety are significant hidden problems. There is need of psychiatric counseling and social services should be made available to vulnerable students