Depressive Symptoms among Medical Students at a Universi ty in Southern Brazil

Abstract:

The objective of this article was to identify, compare and analyze the epidemioloy of depressive symptoms among students in the School of Medicine, Envioromental Engeneering, and Biochemical Pharmacy at a private university in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The methdology drew on a sample of 140 medical students and 181 studentes from the other two courses, using a cross-sectional individual observational approach. The study population filled out a self-rated quetionnaire called the Beck Depression Index, from June to July 2003. Based on a standard cutoff of 9/10, 18/19, 29/30, respectively, 27.85% of the sample in the School of Medicine showed symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, 10.71% moderate-to-severe, and 2,14% severe depression.

Keyword:
Depression; Students, Medical; Epidemiology