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Demographic risk factors for suicide and depression among Serbian medical school students

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify demographic risk factors associated with depression and suicidality among medical school students in Serbia, as well as to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and suicide attempts in the student population.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study conducted on the sample of 1,296 students recruited from the School of Medicine, University of Belgrade. Following questionnaires were assigned to participating subjects: PHQ-9, Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire, and Social-demographic survey.

Results

PHQ-9 scores in our sample ranged from 0 to 27, averaging at 6.21 (SD = 4.96). Symptoms of depression were associated with grade point average, age, relationship status, and gender. Reported history of suicide attempts was associated with PHQ-9 scores, grade point average, relationship status, gender, history of mental illness and drug use.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that medical school students in Serbia may be considered an “at-risk” population. Preventative programs in the future should target symptoms of depression and should provide students with adequate mechanisms to cope successfully with school-related pressure. Alternative stress management strategies may also be useful, especially for younger students who seem to be at greater risk for depression and suicide.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology Development through contract No.175087.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Association for Mental Health Promotion, Belgrade, Serbia

    Vladimir Miletic

  2. School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

    Jasminka Adzic Lukovic

  3. Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

    Nevena Ratkovic, Danijela Aleksic & Anita Grgurevic

  4. School of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26a, PO Box 20, 11129, Belgrade 102, Serbia

    Anita Grgurevic

Authors
  1. Vladimir Miletic
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  2. Jasminka Adzic Lukovic
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  3. Nevena Ratkovic
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  4. Danijela Aleksic
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  5. Anita Grgurevic
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Correspondence to Vladimir Miletic.

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Miletic, V., Lukovic, J.A., Ratkovic, N. et al. Demographic risk factors for suicide and depression among Serbian medical school students. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 50, 633–638 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0950-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0950-9

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