A study published in Academic Medicine found that one-third of medical students met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
The researchers completed a national survey of medical students from the American Medical Association's Physician Masterfile, assessing alcohol abuse/dependence, burnout, depression, suicidal inclinations, quality of life and fatigue. Of the 12,500 students in total, 35.2 percent responded.
Here are three insights:
1. Around 32.4 percent of students met diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse/dependence.
2. Students who were burned out, depressed or reported low mental or emotional quality of life were more likely to have alcohol abuse/dependence.
3. Burnout, having high amounts of educational debt, being unmarried and being younger were independently associated with increased risk for alcohol abuse/dependence.