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Prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among medical residents at four hospitals in Ecuador: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Medical residents face high clinical, academic, and personal demands; however, evidence regarding depressive symptoms during postgraduate medical training in Ecuador remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and evaluate associated sociodemographic, academic, and occupational factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an electronic survey was conducted between May 31 and June 30, 2026, among medical residents from four Ecuadorian institutions. Of 302 eligible residents, 159 accessed the survey; 151 provided informed consent, completed the questionnaire, and were included in the analysis. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Clinically relevant depressive symptoms were defined as a PHQ-9 score ≥10. Prevalence estimates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Associated factors were examined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 33.2 years (SD = 4.3); 93 participants (61.6%) were women, 82 (54.3%) were enrolled in clinical specialties, and 69 (45.7%) in surgical specialties. The prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was 37.7% (95% CI: 30.4-45.7). In the adjusted model, second-year residents (aOR = 3.82; 95% CI: 1.37-10.64) and third-year residents (aOR = 4.33; 95% CI: 1.47-12.72) had higher odds of PHQ-9 scores ≥10 than first-year residents. No statistically significant associations were observed with age, sex, specialty category, monthly on-call shifts, or relationship status. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were common among participating medical residents at four hospitals in Ecuador, with higher adjusted odds of PHQ-9 scores ≥10 among second- and third-year residents compared with first-year residents. These findings suggest the potential value of confidential mental health screening and institutional support strategies during medical residency. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine temporal relationships and identify modifiable factors within the training environment.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.2003488