Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the commonness of depression among Imam University’s female medical students to identify high-risk groups who might require targeted interventions.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted to obtain data on the prevalence of depression among female medical students at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh City from 2021 to 2022. This study used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) which was distributed to the whole study population and enclosed 100 replies.
Results: The study results showed that the general mean PHQ-9 score was 11.21 ± 5.73, representing 43.8% of the sample and indicating that there was mild depression among female medical students at Imam University. First-level students had the lowest rate of depression among female medical students at Imam University with a mean of 9.67 ± 5.05.
Conclusion: A concerning prevalence of depression among female medical students at Imam University, with a rate of 43.8% was highlighted. While no significant differences in depressive symptoms were observed across academic years, the overall data indicated a need for greater mental health support tailored to the unique pressures faced by medical students.

Key words: Depression, medical, students, females.