Comparison of Depression between Students of Universities of Medical Sciences and Islamic Schools of Qom, Iran

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loss, anger and frustration. Clinically defined, depression is an ongoing disorder which interferes with daily activities. This study was designed to compare depression between medical university and Islamic school students. In this descriptive-analytical study, 300 medical students and 300 Islamic schools in Qom city of Iran were assessed by Hamilton inventory questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using statistical methods including chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient (p<0.05). The mean age and standard deviation among medical students were 22.61+ 2.156 and Islamic school they were 23.72+2.103. Results showed no significant difference between two groups. No significant association was found between depression in medical and Islamic seminary students, but it was observed more in single and non-native medical students with the age lower than 25 years old.