Path Analysis of Factors Affecting Depression in Medical Students Running title: Path Analysis of Depression

Context: Depression is more prevalent among medical students. Its level can be changed by different factors. Aims: the present study was designed and implemented in order to determine the path analysis of factors affecting depression in students of XXXX University of Medical Sciences. Settings and Design: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on ۲۹۱ randomly selected students of XXXX University of Medical Sciences in ۲۰۱۸. Methods and Material: Data were collected using demographic characteristics questionnaires, Beck Depression Inventory ۲۸ and Gadzla Academic Stress Questionnaire. Statistical analysis used:The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and F test, independent t-test, and Pearson ۳۱ correlation coefficient in SPSS software version ۲۲, and significance level ۰.۰۵. Results: : According to the path analysis final model, there was a significant relationship between ۳۳ age and hope for continuing education with academic stress, and there was no significant relationship between satisfaction and academic stress. There was a significant relationship between age, hope for continuing education, academic satisfaction and stress with depression (p <۰.۰۰۱). Conclusions: According to the obtained results, measures should be taken in order to reduce individual and environmental stresses and factors effective in depression. Detection and follow-up in disease cases, especially in the younger generation, is important in preventing debilitative effects of the disease, and its consequences should be prevented by quick and timely detection.

Keywords:

Depression , Students , Health Occupations , Statistical Data Analysis.