Mental Well-Being, Depression, and Anxiety among Resident Physicians at a Tertiary University Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Resident physicians face intense academic, clinical, and emotional demands that increase vulnerability to poor mental well-being, including depression and anxiety. These conditions can compromise personal health, clinical performance, and career sustainability. This study assessed the prevalence of depression and anxiety and explored associated factors among residents at Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 residents across 22 departments. Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), with scores ≥ 4 indicating depression or anxiety. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ characteristics, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression identified factors independently associated with depression and anxiety. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Among 313 participants (63.6% male; mean age 29.3 ± 2.37 years), 46% exhibited depression and 40.6% exhibited anxiety. Depression was significantly associated with alcohol use, history of trauma, dissatisfaction with specialty, and intention to leave residency. Anxiety was linked to trauma, insufficient sleep, workplace injustice, family history of mental illness, and considering discontinuation of residency. Conclusion Depression and anxiety are prevalent among resident physicians and are influenced by personal, academic, and workplace stressors. Interventions that strengthen psychosocial support, promote adequate rest, and foster a supportive training environment are critical to enhance residents’ mental well-being, reduce burnout, and improve retention in residency programs.