Mental health problems among medical students in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis

João P Pacheco, Henrique T Giacomin, Wilson W Tam, Tássia B Ribeiro, Claudia Arab, Italla M Bezerra, Gustavo C Pinasco, João P Pacheco, Henrique T Giacomin, Wilson W Tam, Tássia B Ribeiro, Claudia Arab, Italla M Bezerra, Gustavo C Pinasco

Abstract

Objective: To provide a comprehensive picture of mental health problems (MHPs) in Brazilian medical students by documenting their prevalence and association with co-factors.

Methods: We systematically searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of MHPs among medical students in Brazil published before September 29, 2016. We pooled prevalences using a random-effects meta-analysis, and summarized factors associated with MHP.

Results: We included 59 studies in the analysis. For meta-analyses, we identified the summary prevalence of different MHPs, including depression (25 studies, prevalence 30.6%), common mental disorders (13 studies, prevalence 31.5%), burnout (three studies, prevalence 13.1%), problematic alcohol use (three studies, prevalence 32.9%), stress (six studies, prevalence 49.9%), low sleep quality (four studies, prevalence 51.5%), excessive daytime sleepiness (four studies, prevalence 46.1%), and anxiety (six studies, prevalence 32.9%). Signs of lack of motivation, emotional support, and academic overload correlated with MHPs.

Conclusion: Several MHPs are highly prevalent among future physicians in Brazil. Evidence-based interventions and psychosocial support are needed to promote mental health among Brazilian medical students.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1. Flow diagram of study inclusion.
Figure 1. Flow diagram of study inclusion.

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