LEVELS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN SECOND YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC SPRING LOCKDOWN IN SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess levels of anxiety, depression and perceived stress in second year medical students during Covid -19 pandemic spring lockdown in 2020. A cohort of 280 second year medical students, aged 18-20 years, from Medical Faculty, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius", in Skopje, received questionnaires containing biographic issues, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by e-mail. The response rate was 60 percent. One hundred sixty eight students (41 males and 127 females) completed and returned the questionnaires. Mean values of acquired BDI scores were 10.1 ± 7.6. Mean values for BAI were 15.7 ± 11.3 points. Mean values of acquired PSS scores were 19.5 ± 7.5. Using an arbitrarily defined BDI cutoff point of 21 or greater. Twelve percent of students showed depression accompanied by high anxiety and stress and consequent use of benzodiazepines. Female students showed higher anxiety, depression and levels of stress compared to males. Thirty nine percent of all students had depressive symptoms and 77% of all perceived stress. Almost 75% percent of female second year medical students showed anxiety symptoms, almost half of them showed depressive symptoms and 80% reported moderate to high levels of stress. The prevalence of high anxiety was 22 % in females, while the prevalence of depression was 12%, Seventeen percent of females showed high levels of stress. Continuous pastoral and psychological support as mandatory part of medical education is necessary, especially during major health crisis.