A report has revealed that medical students in Kenya are at a greater risk of experiencing mental illnesses compared to their colleagues undertaking other courses at the University.
The survey titled Speak It Out Mental Health Campaign, conducted by The MedLife - an association of medical students in Kenya - showed that the extensive training the students go through especially in their third year exposes them to depression, stress and burnout.
"Depression remains a significant issue for medical trainees. Depression rates were found at a higher rate among medical students versus residents," stated the author, Ms Marie Claire Wangari who is the MedLife’s national officer on medical education.
The study also noted that the rate of medical disorders was higher among women compared to men.
According to Ms Wangari, the mental disorders have a negative impact on the medical students' academic performance and their quality of life.
Recent statistics indicate that at least one in every four Kenyans will suffer from mental illness at one point in their lives.
