Evaluation of mental disorders in medical students at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: The mental health of medical students is a major but neglected public health issue. These students are exposed to academic, emotional and social stress factors likely to encourage the onset of mental disorders. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of these disorders and the associated factors among medical students at the Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, in order to guide prevention and treatment measures.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from 1 May to 31 October 2022. It involved students enrolled in medicine at the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (UJKZ) in Burkina Faso. Data were collected using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info software.

Results: A total of 410 students participated in the study. The majority were male, with a mean age of 24 ± 2.84 years. Half of the participants (50.7%) had at least one mental disorder. The disorders most frequently identified were insomnia (33.4%), depression (26.1%) and dysthymia (24.6%). The main associated risk factors were female gender, history of psychotrauma , personal psychiatric history and medical history.

Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of mental disorders among students, underlining the need to set up institutional systems for early detection and psychological care in order to protect this population.