Occupational Health Perspectives on Depression and Anxiety among Medical, Paramedical, and Non-Medical University Students: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are increasingly reported among university students and represent significant concerns for academic performance and psychological well-being. Students enrolled in different academic streams may experience varying levels of psychological distress due to differences in curriculum demands, evaluation pressure, and professional expectations. The present study aimed to compare levels of depression and anxiety among medical, paramedical, and nonmedical university students using baseline (pre-test) data. A total of 180 university students (60 medical, 60 paramedical, and 60 non-medical) participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted to examine stream-wise differences in psychological symptoms. The findings revealed significant differences in levels of depression and anxiety across academic streams, with medical and paramedical students reporting higher levels of psychological distress compared to non-medical students. The results highlight the influence of academic context on student mental health and underscore the need for stream-specific mental health support within higher education institutions. The findings have important occupational health implications by highlighting the need for early mental health promotion and preventive interventions among students preparing for future professional roles. Major Findings: Medical and paramedical students reported significantly higher levels of depression than non-medical students. Anxiety showed significant overall variation across academic streams, although pairwise differences were comparatively modest. The findings emphasize the need for stream-specific mental health interventions and counselling support within higher education institutions.