Publication date: Apr 15, 2025
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that significantly disrupt daily life. Medical students may be uniquely susceptible to obsessive compulsive symptoms due to their constant exposure to potential contaminants and infectious diseases during their training. Obsessive Compulsive symptoms among medical students are often overlooked, which can significantly impact their academic performance, well-being, and future career prospects. The prevalence and factors of obsessive compulsive symptom is not widely studied in low and middle income countries and there are limited studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of obsessive compulsive symptoms among medical students. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 370 students. The outcome variable was assessed using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised scale (OCI-R). The collected data were entered using kobo collect tool box version 1. 3 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with Obsessive Compulsive symptoms and variables with P-values less than 0. 05 were considered to have significant association with 95% confidence interval. The probable prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder among medical and health science students was 28% with (95% CI: 26. 4-32. 7). Being female [AOR = 1. 33(95%CI: 1. 09, 2. 18)], Depressive symptoms [AOR = 2. 12(95%CI: 1. 95, 4. 06)], Maladaptive coping mechanism [AOR = 1. 74 (95%CI: 1. 23, 2. 50)], and Poor sleep quality [(AOR = 1. 48(95%CI: 1. 08, 2. 24)] were significantly associated with obsessive compulsive symptoms. Obsessive Compulsive Symptom has a high probable prevalence among medical and health science students. Being female, experiencing depressive symptoms, employing maladaptive coping mechanisms, and having poor sleep quality were significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, early detection, screening, and appropriate intervention for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in medical students are crucial.
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| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Academic | Dilla university |
| Daily | Medical students |
| Depressive | Obsessive compulsive symptoms |
| Ethiopia |