Objective

The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in medical students from a university in the south of Brazil and to evaluate possible associated factors.

Methods

The present study prospectively screened CMD using SRQ-20 in 134 medical students. Socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle and health, academic activities and sleep quality data were also collected to evaluate possible associations with CMD.

Results

The average age was 22.5 years (SD = 4.3), mostly male, single and from other cities. The prevalence of TMC increased from 35.8% at the beginning of the semester to 51.5% at the end of the semester (p = 0.002). Factors associated with CMD at the beginning of the semester were monthly per capita family income ≤ R$ 2,000.00 (OR = 3.2, IC95% = 1.31-8.02), and poor sleep quality (OR = 3.3, IC95% = 1.13-9.47). A factor associated with CMD found at the end of the semester was poor sleep quality (OR = 3.3, IC95% = 1.22-7.92).

Conclusion

The results showed a high prevalence of CMDs and the importance of targeting prevention and remedial actions at mental health care of medical students.

        · resumo em Português     · texto em Português     · Português ( pdf )