Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among postgraduate trainees in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Background: Trainee doctors in postgraduate programs go through many challenges and stressor events in their life which may affect their mental health. Objective: This study aimed to measure the prevalence and risk factor of depression, anxiety and stress among trainees of Saudi Board programs in Qassim region. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 119 postgraduate trainees enrolled in Saudi Board Program in Qassim region. Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to measure the outcome variables. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors of depression, anxiety and stress. Results: A quarter (25%) of the respondents were female, and half (51%) were married. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 49.6%, 57% and 39.5% respectively. We found that failing the promotion exam adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.43(95% CI: 1.45-13.50), being in Internal medicine AOR 3.94 (95% CI: 1.22 - 12.66) and other specialties AOR 3.56 (95% CI: 1.22-10.39) were significant risk factors of depression. Risk factors for anxiety included; failing promotion exam AOR 4.46 (1.18-16.86) and being in internal medicine AOR 8.95(95% CI: 2.39-30.84) and other specialties AOR 5.78 (95% CI: 1.88-18.72). On the other hand, being unmarried was protective of anxiety AOR 0.23(95% CI: 0.08-0.60). The only significant factor associated with stress was not passing part one exam AOR 5.06 (95% CI: 1.70 - 15.1). Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of mental disorders among postgraduate trainees in Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. This calls for implementing screening and support programs for trainees to improve their mental health and thus their learning and quality of care being provided by them.