TITLE:
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety among International Students in the Health Professions at Southern Medical University, P. R. China
AUTHORS:
Catherine Mahihu
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Anxiety, Prevalence, International Students, Health Science Students
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.8 No.12,
December
16,
2020
ABSTRACT: Introduction: International students experience acculturative stress during the
adaptation period into a new country, leading to the development of mental
health issues such as depression and anxiety. This issue may be particularly
important for international students in the health professions who are exposed
to more stressors than usual. This study aims to determine the prevalence of
depression, anxiety, and associated factors among international students in the
health professions. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. A
sample of 114 international students from Southern Medical University (SMU) was
screened for depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depressive
Scale (HADS) during the 2019-2020 academic year. Descriptive statistics,
including percentages and frequencies, were performed to determine the
prevalence of depression and anxiety. Multiple linear regression analysis was
utilized to examine associations between depression and anxiety and
socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Overall, the prevalence of depression and anxiety
was found to be 36% and 52.63%, respectively. Undergraduate students studying
medicine and postgraduates pursuing master’s degrees in Plastic Surgery and
Laboratory Science had the highest levels of anxiety (60%), while Ph.D.
students had the highest level of depression (50%). The period of study in
China (p =
0.037), the discipline of study (p =
0.004), and the level of preparedness for coming to China (p =
0.037) were significant predictors of depression, while the discipline of study
(p =
0.004) and socialization (p =
0.040) were significant predictors of anxiety. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among the
study population was relatively high. The length of time in China and the level
of preparedness before coming to China were significant predictors of
depression, while socialization was a significant predictor of anxiety. The
discipline of study was a predictor of both depression and anxiety. Provision
of key information before students arrive in the host country, access to
multilingual interactions with
school counselors and current students, and social and academic contacts with
domestic students are recommended to mitigate the adverse effects of stress
faced by international students in the health professions.