Objective: The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in medical students from Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo and evaluate possible correlation among CMD and risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study performed from September to November 2007 enrolled 229 medical students. A self-applicable and anonymous questionnaire was used. Information on socioeconomic characteristics, about the course, teaching-learning process and support assistance were collected. CMD was screened by SRQ-20 questionnaire. Results: Global prevalence was 37.1% (IC 95%, 30.8%-43.4%) and it was independent correlated to not receiving sufficient emotional support (OR = 7.4, IC 95%, 3.1-17.9) and report "difficulties for asking questions during classes, by shyness" during childhood and adolescence (OR = 2.5, IC 95%, 1.0-6.1). Conclusion: These data showed high prevalence of CMD in this population and the importance of planning prevention and assistance strategies regarding mental health focuses on a better quality of life for these students.
Mental disorders; medical students; risk factors; prevalence; mental health
