Mental and Behavioral Problems in Medical Students of a Health Science Institute in Eastern Nepal

Authors

  • Dhana Ratna Shakya Department of Psychiatry, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan, Nepal
  • Pramod Mohan Shyangwa I.O.M., South Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Rabi Shakya Department of Psychiatry, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Patan, Nepal
  • Chandra Shekar Agrawal Department of Surgery, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science, Dharan, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v11i1.53805

Keywords:

BPKIHS, medical students, mental illness, SCID-I

Abstract

Introduction: Literature shows a high prevalence of mental disorders among medical students. Psychiatric morbidity data help enhance all levels of management. We have limited data about 'mental and behavioural problems' in medical students.

Objective: To see and sort out psychiatric problems among medical students of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Nepal.

Methodology: It is an institute based prevalence study. Twenty percentages of all medical students of all programs (1125) of academic year of 2008/9 were (systematic) randomly selected. After informed written consent, the subjects were enrolled. A semi-structured proforma was used to record socio-demographic and clinical profiles. The 'Structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders' (SCID-I) was used to diagnose major psychiatric disorders.

Result: Out of the total sample students, 219 students were enrolled. Among the enrolled subjects, life time diagnosis of psychiatric problem (till the time of the study) was about 55%. At the time of the study, approximately 30% had psychiatric problem. During BPKIHS stay inclusive of current problem, slightly more than 40% had mental problems. The most common diagnosis was adjustment disorder.

Conclusion: A great proportion of medical students suffer from mental and behavioural problems.

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Published

2022-06-30

How to Cite

Shakya, D. R., Shyangwa, P. M., Shakya, R., & Agrawal, C. S. (2022). Mental and Behavioral Problems in Medical Students of a Health Science Institute in Eastern Nepal. Journal of Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal, 11(1), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v11i1.53805

Issue

Section

Original Articles