Depression, Among Medical Students and the Role of Academic Stress and Coping Strategies: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh

Background: Depression is highly prevalent among medical students, where academic stress serves as a prominent contributing factor. This study aimed to examine the associations between academic stress, coping strategies, and depression, while also exploring the influence of behavioral and sociodemographic variables among Bangladeshi medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from October to December 2022, involved 1,072 undergraduate medical students from six public medical colleges in Bangladesh, selected through simple random sampling.Results: More than half of the participants were found to have moderate to severe depression. Inadequate study facilities and feelings of personal inadequacy were associated with higher odds of depression. Passive problem-focused coping increased depression risk, while passive emotional coping reduced it. Clinical insomnia and high anxiety significantly elevated the possibility of depression. In contrast, moderate internet use was associated with a decrease in depression risk. Male gender and rural residence were associated with higher odds of depression, while urban residence and personal income were protective. Additionally, higher maternal education correlated with increased depression risk, possibly due to heightened academic expectations.Conclusion: Effective interventions should focus on stress reduction, developing adaptive coping skills, ensuring equitable access to academic resources, and enhancing mental health screening and support services.