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ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mental health problems amongst university students are a global issue. The pressure to perform, to achieve and to graduate amidst the daily life challenges and enormous curriculum of medical students is the leading precipitant of a suboptimal mental health status. Mental health problems if noticed early and addressed in medical undergraduates can greatly impact their academic performances and even their work ethics and lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, prevalence and factors influencing common mental health problems and the mental health status amongst medical students in Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 717 medical students selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a selfstructured self-administered questionnaire tool which was adapted and modified by the author from The Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire, General health questionnaire, Antonovsky’s abbreviated sense of coherence scale, Beck Anxiety Inventor and Beck depression inventory. Statistical analysis was done using the IBM SPSS version 25 software. Univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out for all variables. Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was done to determine the predictors of burnout. The level of significance was set at <0.05. RESULTS: the response rate was 100%. Six hundred and forty students (89.3%) had good knowledge of the concept of mental health. There was a statistically significant association between knowledge and age, sex (male), religion (Christianity) and academic year. Majority - 580 students (80.9%) identified academic stress and workload in medical school as the major XVII factors negatively affecting their mental health status. Less than half 334 students (46.6%) of the respondents claimed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. A notable 441 students (61.5%) of respondents feel overwhelmed with the workload and responsibilities at medical school. Almost half - 349 students (48.7%) of the respondents report experiencing imposter syndrome.
