Seasonal affective disorder among medical students in Sudan: A cross-sectional study of prevalence and seasonal patterns.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder characterized by recurrent affective episodes that occur in a seasonal pattern. Despite its significant psychosocial impact, the epidemiology and determinants of SAD remain understudied, particularly in warm-climate regions. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of SPAQ-defined SAD and its correlates among medical students in Sudan. METHODS: This observational study enrolled fifth year medical students in Khartoum, Sudan, to assess the prevalence of SAD and its correlates using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). RESULTS: The mean age was 23.29 years (SD = 1.477, range = 22-25). The mean global seasonality score was 9.47, SD = 5.3. Females had significantly higher global seasonality score (GSS) than males (t = 2.39, df = 217, p = 0.017). The mean of CES-D depression score was 20.72 (SD = 15). There was a medium positive correlation between global seasonality score (GSS) and CES-D score (r = 0.31, n = 219, p < 0.001). The prevalence of SPAQ-defined seasonality disorders was 38.82%, with 15.53% met the SPAQ-criteria for SAD and 23.29% of subclinical seasonal affective disorder (s-SAD). Summer-type SAD was more common than winter-type SAD. CONCLUSION: Our data show a relatively high prevalence of SPAQ-defined seasonality disorders among medical students in Sudan. In contrast to common literature, summer-type SAD was more common than winter-type SAD. Future studies should explore seasonality disorders in hot climates, particularly sub-Saharan African regions.