The Association between Physical Symptoms and Depression among Medical Students in Egypt

Background: Medical students experience high psychological distress due to the demanding nature of their course, and this has significant implications for their physical and mental well-being. Few studies, however, have attempted to determine the association between depression and physical symptoms among Egyptian medical students.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between depression and physical symptoms among the Egyptian medical students.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among medical students in Egypt before the start of the academic semester. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, including demographic information and two validated self-report scales: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) for physical symptom.
Results: 155 eligible students participated in the study, and they were predominantly females (76.1%) and fifth-year students (59.4%). The prevalence of moderate to severe depression was 66.5%, and 72.9% had moderate to severe physical symptoms. Depression was significantly positively correlated with physical symptoms (r =.472, p <.01). Social variables were examined as well: students in a relationship had fewer physical symptoms (Mean = 12.66, SD = 5.30) and depression scores (Mean = 10.55, SD = 4.74) than single students. Similarly, working students had lower depression scores (Mean = 10.77, SD = 4.73) and fewer physical symptoms (Mean = 12.26, SD = 5.15) than unemployed students.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant correlation between depression and physical symptoms among Egyptian medical students. Furthermore, having a relationship and working alongside studies appear to be associated with less depression and physical symptoms.