Emotional Disorders among Turkish Undergraduate Medical Students

Objective: Large numbers of medical student are reported to be suffering from emotional health problems in recent years. Its severity has also increased throughout the world. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of emotional disorders (ED) and to assess risk factors among medical students. Methodology: A total of 493 students were included in the current cross sectional study. The Twelve Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was voluntarily answered by medical students in the first to the fifth year class. Results : A total of 27.8% of medical students were found to have emotional disorders (ED) in the presented study. Factors found to have a significant association with ED were relationship of the respondents with their parents, siblings, lecturers, course mates, boy/girlfriend as well as pressure prior to examinations and periods of training in medical school. No difference was found between gender and age groups. Conclusion: Current results showed the prevalence of emotional disorders (ED) in crucial levels among the medical students. It is suggested that medical schools authorities should be aware of these problems and take effective measures to address them.