Unmet Mental Health Care Needs and Barriers to Treatment for Depression in Medical Students: A Study from North Indian State of Delhi
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Abstract
Introduction: Depression among medical students is a significant public health concern in India due to the demanding nature of medical education. The study aims to determine the prevalence of depression, evaluate unmet mental health care needs, and identify barriers to seeking help. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among undergraduate medical students in New Delhi. The PHQ-9 assessed depression, while the BACE scale evaluated barriers to mental health care. Data analysis was performed using STATA 18. Results: Of the 413 participants, 31.4% screened positive for depression, with higher rates among second year students and those dissatisfied with academic performance or with low physical activity. Only 43.8% perceived a need for care, while 78.9% reported unmet needs. Key barriers included stigma (e.g., fear of family reactions and mental health records), attitudinal factors (e.g., preference for self-management), and instrumental challenges (e.g., academic pressures and time constraints). Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among medical students, with significant unmet care needs driven by stigma and other barriers. Interventions focusing on stigma reduction, accessibility, and mental health awareness are critical to enhancing care-seeking behavior and improving student well-being.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Aninda Debnath, Priyansha Gupta, Shweta Charag, Snigdha Basu, Nidhi Vadanere, Anita Verma
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