Self-esteem and assertiveness in medical students in Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract Background Self-esteem is a determining factor of good mental health. Medical students need assertiveness in interpersonal interactions with colleagues, patients, and families. This study aims to assess self-esteem and assertiveness in medical students in Casablanca, Morocco; the relationship between these two concepts, on the one hand, and with anxiety and depression on the other hand. Materials and methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine in Casablanca, Morocco. The study used an anonymous self-questionnaire that included Rosenberg Scale and Rathus Scale in order to assess self-esteem and assertiveness, respectively, and HADS Scale to assess depression and anxiety. Results A percentage of 54% of students in our study showed low-to-very low-self-esteem and 70% of students were not assertive. We found a strong relationship between self-esteem and assertiveness (p <0.001), self-esteem and depression (p <0.001), self-esteem and anxiety (p <0.001), assertiveness and depression (p <0.001), and assertiveness and anxiety (p <0.001). Conclusions Globally, self-esteem and assertiveness of Moroccan medical students were low in more than half of the students. Moreover, there was a significant relation between these concepts, on the one hand, and between them and anxiety and depression on the other hand. Students need to be valued and their efforts recognized during their studies. Therapeutic strategies should be used when necessary.