Aim:
Depression and hopelessness, cause impairment in the quality of life and leads to the loss of one's efficiency are important problems. The purpose of this study is to search the frequency of depression and hopelessness and its relations with socio-demographic characteristics among medical students.
Materials and Methods:
This is a cross sectional analytical study. It was conducted 2-4 March 2009 between. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students from the Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University were included in the study. 236 of a total 330 students (68.5 %) participated in the study. A questionnaire which aims to determine the students’ socio-demographic characteristics, Beck depression inventory and Beck hopelessness scale were applied under observation to the participants. According to the Beck depression inventory, those who scored 17 and over were classified as possible depressive. Data were evaluated statistically.
Results:
The average score of the students according to Beck hopelessness scale was found 5.3±4.6. According to Beck depression inventory 64 of the students (28.3%) were found to be possible depressive. The average Beck hopelessness scale score was higher for possible depressive students compared to the others (p=0.00). Depression scores was higher among the first year students compared to the others (p=0.03), higher among the females compared the males (p=0.02) and higher among dwelling in dorm compared to not dwelling in dorm (p=0.001). When the age of students, monthly income of family, the educational status of the parents were compared with hopelessness and depression rates there was no statistically significant relation.
Conclusion:
As a result, depression rates were high in basic medical students, furthermore hopelessness scores were found high among possible depressive students. Medical students should be given guidance and counseling service. Effective monitoring and prevention programs should be developed in order to lower the possible effects of depression and hopelessness on their future professional lives.
Keywords: Depression, hopelessness, medical student, sociodemographic characteristics.