Stressors Predicting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Korean Veterinary Students

Abstract

Psychological distress has a negative impact on professional development in health care professions. In this article, we measured the prevalence of students' depression, anxiety, and stress using the DASS-21 questionnaire in 10 veterinary colleges in Korea to investigate the stressors that contribute to these forms of psychological distress. The prevalence of academic and relationship types of stressors were higher than others. The proportion of students above a severe level of depression, anxiety, and stress on the DASS-21 scales was 30.9, 35.8, and 43.2%, respectively. The DASS-21 scores mediated the relationship between the perceived frequency of stressors and the respondents' satisfaction with their education and career. Statistical analysis revealed that female and pre-clinical students are more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and stress. The findings of the article indicate the gravity of Korean veterinary students' mental and psychological state, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive management of students' mental health.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; stress; stressors; veterinary students.