A Cross-Sectional Institutional Survey of Depression, Suicidal Ideation, and Stigma in Medical Students

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Background: Due to high rates of depression and suicidal ideation among medical students, interventions, such as Pass/Fail grading systems and peer-mentorship, have been implemented, but their effects not reported. The purpose of this study was to explore variations in depression severity among medical students and to better understand the related stigma in healthcare over the past decade, with the aim of enhancing medical education. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on REDCap across students at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The severity of depression was measured by the PHQ-9. Stigma was assessed utilizing Likert scale responses. Demographics of students who are most likely to experience depression were collected. Additionally, clinical diagnoses of depression, treatment modalities, and alcohol use were compared. Results: There were 178 respondents with a 15% response rate. Thirty-nine (22%) respondents were classified in the moderate-to-severe depression group. Thirteen students, all female, endorsed suicidal ideation. A majority of respondents reported that depressed medical students would provide inferior patient care (n=71, 58%), their application to residency would be less competitive (n=76, 54%), they would feel embarrassed (n=88, 61%), and that it would be risky to reveal they have depression on a residency application (n=153, 94%). Conclusions: Depression, suicidal ideation, and stigmatization remain prevalent in medical students and may have worsened since 2010. New, multi-faceted approaches such as giving medical students the choice of mental health providers, providing clear information about documentation, and implementing personal, well-being goals are needed to reduce depression and stigma experienced by medical students.

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