Research story · published
Male Mental Health Among Medical Students at ANMC Lahore: A Cross-Sectional Study
Three out of four surveyed students crossed the study’s PHQ-9 symptom threshold. Financial dependence and smoking remained associated after adjustment.
01
Why this matters
Male medical students may face intense training pressure while being less likely to disclose distress or seek help because of stigma and expectations around masculinity. This study identifies a high level of screened symptoms and potential markers that campus support teams could consider. A PHQ-9 score at or above 5 includes mild symptoms and is not a clinical diagnosis.
02
Study snapshot
- Design
- Cross-sectional analytical survey
- Sample
- 312
- Population
- Male MBBS students aged 18 to 28 years; mean age 22.3 years
- Setting
- Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University, Lahore; January 2024
- Measures
- PHQ-9 and a self-reported demographic and lifestyle questionnaire; PHQ-9 alpha 0.85
- Analysis
- Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression in SPSS 26
235 of 312 students scored at least 5 on the PHQ-9. This represents screened symptoms, including mild symptoms, not diagnosed depression.
03
Results, without the jargon
A high proportion of respondents reported at least mild depressive symptoms. Financially dependent and partially independent students were more likely to cross the PHQ-9 threshold than fully independent students. Smokers were also more likely to cross it. Physical activity appeared related in the initial comparison, but the association was unclear after adjustment. The reported model explained only a modest share of the differences between students.
Screened symptoms
75.3% scored at least 5 on the PHQ-9. Mean score 8.85, SD 5.67.
Source: PDF Table 2, pages 7 to 8Financially dependent
Versus fully independent; 95% CI 1.41 to 6.05, p = .004.
Source: PDF Table 4, page 11Partially independent
Versus fully independent; 95% CI 1.38 to 9.62, p = .009.
Source: PDF Table 4, page 11Symptoms among smokers
46 of 52 smokers versus 189 of 260 non-smokers. Non-smoker AOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.59.
Source: PDF Tables 3 and 4, pages 9 to 11Activity after adjustment
Active versus sedentary was not statistically clear after adjustment.
Source: PDF Table 4, page 11Model explanatory power
Nagelkerke R squared. Most student-level difference remained unexplained.
Source: PDF page 1104
What this could mean
Universities could pair confidential mental health screening with financial counselling and smoking-cessation support. Financial status and smoking are correlates, not proof of cause. A positive screen should lead to appropriate clinical assessment. Multi-campus longitudinal research should test timing and causal pathways.
05
Read this with the limitations
The cross-sectional design prevents causal conclusions. One male-only institutional sample limits generalizability. Self-report creates recall and social-desirability risks. PHQ-9 is a screening instrument, not a clinical diagnosis. Academic performance, social support, previous mental health history, and broader substance use were not assessed. The eligible population and response rate are not reported. Model specification is not fully transparent, and the issue label says 2024 while all publication dates are in 2025.
06
How I contributed
I contributed across the research process by helping strengthen the study approach, guiding student researchers, supporting analysis and interpretation, and developing the work into a clear manuscript. My role formed part of a broader commitment to mentoring emerging researchers and helping teams move from an initial question to a publishable study.
07
Explore and cite the paper
Sahar I, Saba G, Asghar T, Tahir M, Saeed R. Male mental health among medical students at ANMC Lahore: a cross-sectional study. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Cardiological Review. 2025;3(4):38-55. Available from: https://pakjmcr.com/index.php/1/article/view/83
This is a plain-language research summary, not personal medical advice. Interpret findings in the context of the design and limitations.