Psychological distress in students registered at a university-based general practice
Contact - Chris Shiels (cs50@liv.ac.uk) (tel 0151 794 5968)
Academic Lead(s)
Dr Mark Gabbay
Researchers
Chris Shiels
Project Status
Ongoing (to Oct 2005)
Funding
NHS R&D Support Funding
Aims
1. To estimate prevalence of anxiety and depression in students at one general practice
2. To investigate factors associated with risk of psychological distress
3. To identify possible risk-factors to be used in screening students at general practice level
Method
Study initiated by Brownlow Group Practice, University of Liverpool. Postal survey of 1000 students (approx 10% sample) registered on practice list. Main component of postal questionnaire was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Additional data were collected relating to socio-demographic factors, health behaviours, help-seeking activity and academic detail. Statistical analysis is being conducted in order to investigate different prevalence levels across sub-groups of students.
Results
Response-rate of nearly 40%. Preliminary results indicate prevalence-rates of 10% depression and over 40% anxiety. Female students significantly more likely to be anxiety “case”. Analysis ongoing.