Medical students experience depression and anxiety at a higher rate than the general population or students from other specialties. While there is a growing literature on the high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and about potential risk factors to the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among medical students, there is a paucity of evidence focused on the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and associations with family function, social support and coping styles in Chinese vocational medicine students. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among Chinese medical students and assess the correlation between depression/anxiety symptoms and family function, social support and coping styles. A sample of 2057 medical students from Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College in China was investigated with a self-report questionnaire, which included demographic information, Zung self-rating depression scale, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Family APGAR Index, Social Support Rating Scale and Trait Coping Style Questionnaire. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among the medical students was 57.5 and 30.8%, respectively. Older students(≥20 years) experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety. More depression and anxiety symptoms were exhibited among students with big financial burden, big study-induced stress and poor sleep quality. Students with large employment pressure showed more anxiety symptoms. Students who live alone or had bad relationship with their lovers or classmates or friends showed higher depression and anxiety scores. Depression and anxiety symptoms had highly significant correlations with family functioning, social support and coping style. Academic staffs should take measures to reduce depression and anxiety among medical students and to provide educational counseling and psychological support for students to cope with these problems.

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Prevalence of depression and anxiety and correlations between depression, anxiety, family functioning, social support and coping styles among Chinese medical students.

This research examined the prediction of the form and direction of work role performance from the Big 5 model of personality traits. Nine dimensions of work role performance are created by cross-classifying the form of work role behavior (proficient, adaptive, and proactive) with the level at which that behavior contributes to effectiveness (individual, team, and organizational). The authors collected self-report measurements of personality from 1447 government employees and supervisor ratings of performance. Openness to experience and agreeableness had opposing effects on individual proactivity - openness was positively related, whereas agreeableness was negatively related to this dimension. Openness to experience also had opposing effects on the form of work role performance - it was positively related to individual and organizational proactivity but negatively related to team and organizational proficiency. Conscientiousness was a stronger predictor of individual task proficiency than the remaining eight dimensions, whereas the reverse was true for neuroticism. Extraversion was negatively related to individual proficiency. Using a broad taxonomy of performance that incorporates a theoretical framework for distinguishing between constructs shows promise for identifying which personality traits are important for which aspects of work role performance.

Predicting the form and direction of work role performance from the Big 5 model of personality traits

Estimates of the depression prevalence among Chinese university students vary considerably across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively analyze the depression prevalence among Chinese university students. We searched four electronic databases with the search terms of depression, China, university student, and questionnaire. Studies reporting depression among Chinese university students were included in the analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the qualities of the studies. The package of “meta” in R Foundation for Statistical Computing was used to calculate an overall proportion in a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors on the depression prevalence. Any conflict in the data analysis was discussed by all the reviewers. A total of 113 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of depression among Chinese university students was shown to be 28.4% (n = 185,787), with 95%CI from 25.7 to 31.2%. The overall depression prevalence among Chinese university students was still relatively high. More efforts need to be done to provide better mental healthcare to university students in China.

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Prevalence of depression among Chinese university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The numerous negative health impacts of COVID-19, which include expected changes to psychiatric illness and physical activity (PA), are disproportionately distributed in the United States. Mental illnesses and physical inactivity are prevalent among U.S. college students. This study examined whether there was a change in minutes of PA and depression scores after a stay-at-home order and examined predictors of these changes. An online survey was sent to all undergraduate and graduate students attending a large, diverse university via an electronic newsletter. The survey requested information about demographic and academic data, cardiorespiratory fitness, and depression symptoms. Paired t-tests and logistic regression were employed. Our sample (n = 194) was predominantly female (73%), young (mean age of 25), not a sexual minority (82%), and had a mean 3.4 GPA. Students reported worse depression scores (p < 0.01) and fewer minutes of PA (p = 0.01) after the stay-at-home order. There was a small but significant (p = 0.04) correlation between changes in total minutes of PA and depression scores. Senior (p = 0.05) and Hispanic (p = 0.03) students were less likely to report worsening depression scores than freshmen and white students, respectively. Asian students were significantly more likely than white students to report decreased PA. This study suggests that COVID-19 and its consequences may be contributing to reduced PA and greater depression symptoms in college students and that sub-groups have been affected differently. Targeted interventions to promote PA and support mental health may bolster the ability for resilience of college students.

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Changes in Depression and Physical Activity Among College Students on a Diverse Campus After a COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order.

Research in the field has identified the presence of stress and depression among medical students. However, no other study has pointed out the differences between years of study. The objectives of the study are to identify the levels of stress and depression among medical students and to point out the relationship between these two variables. Methods: The cross-sectional study gathered data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, depression, self-identified psychological and physical symptoms during stressful periods and perceived stress among medical students in a university in Romania. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v23. For comparative analysis the t-test for independent samples and one-way ANOVA was used and for correlational analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlations was used. Results: Freshmen are the most depressed and graduating students are the most stressed medical students. Statistical analysis reveals an average score of perceived stress (M = 17.31 ± 6.79) and mild-moderate depression (M = 10.11 ± 7.69). Women are more prone to symptoms of depression. Students enrolled in the third year of study are the least depressed and the least stressed. Perceived stress is significantly positive correlated with depression and negative in strong correlation with the number of course credits received. More than half of students experience an increased rate of anxiety and consumption of alcohol, coffee, sweets or cigarettes during stressful academic periods. Over 60% declare themselves satisfied with their academic results. Conclusions: Strategies to diminish the level of stress and depression among medical students are necessary. Psychological support and educational counseling should start from admission, since freshmen experience the highest rate of depression.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/8/8/70/pdf

Depressed as Freshmen, Stressed as Seniors: The Relationship between Depression, Perceived Stress and Academic Results among Medical Students

The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between the level of burnout subdomains and alexithymia among forensic physicians working in forensic institutions in Romania. Material and methods: A number of 37 forensic physicians were included in the survey. Burnout and alexithymia were measured by using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The obtained data were processed using the SPSS 17.00 statistical software. Results: The subjects obtained an average of 43.27±3.71, which corresponds to a low level of alexithymia. For burnout scores, we have obtained M=14.97±13.13 for emotional exhaustion, M=7.91±6.87 for depersonalization and M=33.18±10.59 for personal accomplishment (low-level for emotional exhaustion and medium-level burnout for the other two factors). Among the socio-demographic variables, only the age correlated positively with the burnout factor personal accomplishment. Positive correlations were identified between burnout factors and TAS-20. Comparative analysis results are important for the presence of insomnia, depression, teaching activity and looking for professional support after critical events. Conclusions: Scores for forensic physicians are low-level for emotional exhaustion and medium-level for two subdomains and low-level for alexithymia. Factors revealed by the comparative analysis are important to adjust professional activity and to find strategies to cope with stressful professional events.

https://www.revmedchir.ro/index.php/revmedchir/article/download/183/155

The Contribution of Alexithymia to Burnout in Forensic Physicians.

The aim of the study is to identify the level of job satisfaction among forensic physicians and its relationship with personality traits and alexithymia. A number of 37 forensic physicians from 11 forensic institutions answered some questionnaires. In order to identify the level of job satisfaction The Job Satisfaction Scale was used, to evaluate the alexithymia score the TAS-20 was used and to identify the personality traits the BIG FIVE Inventory was applied. Socio-demographic data, information related to the professional activity and self-evaluated psychological data were also registered. Data analysis was done using SPSS Statistics v23.0.0 for MAC.OSX. For the comparative analysis the t-test for independent samples was used and the statistical difference was defined as p<0.05. For the correlational study, Pearson correlations were applied and to identify the influence of our personality factors on job satisfaction we used multiple linear regressions. Regarding job satisfaction, we obtained an average of 4.38 ± 0.75, which corresponds to a medium level of job satisfaction and the score for alexithymia was 43.27 ± 3.71, meaning that forensic physicians showed a low level of alexithymia. Analyzing the job satisfaction, high scores were obtained for the payment and promotion factor. For the third factor, organization and communication skills, the low scores indicate the employee’s dissatisfaction regarding the manner in which his tasks are organized and defined (e.g. defining the tasks, the effort required to do the tasks, communication and feedback).

Job Satisfaction among Forensic Physicians in Romania

In the last decades, the role of pharmacists has changed, and new tasks are required for the care of patients. Good communication skills, rapid adjustment to new techniques and research abilities must be developed during academic formation. Aim: the goal of the study is to shape the psychological profile of freshman pharmacy students. Material and methods: 106 freshman pharmacy students were asked to fill in a socio-demographic data sheet and to answer the items of four instruments: Maslach Burnout Inventory (measuring burnout), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (measuring the level of alexithymia), Big Five Inventory (identifying personality traits) and Beck Depression Inventory (evaluating depression). The statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS Statistics 23.0.0 for MAC.OSX. Results: the results identified an average level of emotional exhaustion, a low level of depersonalization and a high level of personal achievement. The scores for alexithymia prove that a possible alexithymia and a mild level of depression was identified for freshman pharmacy students. Comparative results and correlation analysis are presented. Conclusions: the results are important for the pharmacy students to identify their personality traits and for the academic staff to adjust the educational curricula to cover the needs for professional development.

https://www.revmedchir.ro/index.php/revmedchir/article/download/55/32

Psychological profile of freshman pharmacy students

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of job satisfaction among obstetrics and gynecology physicians in Romania. Material and methods: Job satisfaction was measured using the Job Satisfaction Scale and personality traits were identified using the Big Five Inventory Socio-demographic variables were also considered to identify factors that can contribute to the level of satisfaction. The data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v23.0.0. Results: A low level of satisfaction was identified among obstetrics and gynecology physicians. 19.64% of doctors responded that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their job. Male doctors were more satisfied with their job than female doctors were (- t (110) = 2.00, p=0.05; 3.71 ± 0.82 vs 3.39 ± 0.59). Specialists were more satisfied than consulting doctors regarding overall job satisfaction (Mdif = 0.336, p=0.031). Statistical differences were identified among the variables insomnia, depression, and the use of pills to cope with stress. A high number of working hours and a high level of neuroticism were negatively correlated with job satisfaction. Extraversion and agreeableness were strongly related to job satisfaction. Conclusions: The results are important for obstetrics and gynecology physicians to explain the level of satisfaction related to their personality traits and for institutions to reconsider the important factors that could influence job satisfaction among doctors.

https://www.revmedchir.ro/index.php/revmedchir/article/download/546/475

Corina Dondas

Papers

Depressed as Freshmen, Stressed as Seniors: The Relationship between Depression, Perceived Stress and Academic Results among Medical Students

The Contribution of Alexithymia to Burnout in Forensic Physicians.

Job Satisfaction among Forensic Physicians in Romania

Psychological profile of freshman pharmacy students

Key factors influencing the level of job satisfaction among obstetrics and gynecology physicians in romania