Depression and Anxiety among Medical, Paramedical, and Non-Medical University Students: A Comparative Study

Depression and anxiety are increasingly reported among university students and represent significant concerns for academic performance and psychological well-being. Students enrolled in different academic streams may experience varying levels of psychological distress due to differences in curriculum demands, evaluation pressure, and professional expectations. The present study aimed to compare levels of depression and anxiety among medical, paramedical, and non-medical university students using baseline (pre-test) data. A comparative research design was employed, and depression and anxiety were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted to examine stream-wise differences in psychological symptoms. The findings revealed significant differences in levels of depression and anxiety across academic streams, with medical and paramedical students reporting higher levels of psychological distress compared to non-medical students. The results highlight the influence of academic context on student mental health and underscore the need for stream-specific mental health support within higher education institutions.