Defense mechanisms and quality of life of medical students according to graduation phase

Abstract

Objectives: To compare health-related quality of life (QoL) of medical students in initial and final phases of the program, and to evaluate the association between ego defense mechanisms and specific healthrelated QoL domains within each group. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Quality of life was assessed according to the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument-Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-Bref); anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); defense mechanisms were assessed using the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). Results: A total of 139 medical students were evaluated. Students in the initial semesters of the program (1st and 3rd) presented more depressive symptoms and worse quality of life in the psychological domain of WHOQOL-Bref when compared to those in the final semesters (8th and 12th). In a later analysis, conducted to identify the variables associated with the psychological domain of the WHOQOL-Bref for each group, both depressive symptoms and defense mechanisms were independently associated with the outcome for medical students in the beginning and in the end of the graduation program. Conclusions: Students in the initial phases of medical school may need more specific attention from educational managers. Understanding the role of ego defense mechanisms in the quality of life of medical students may help identify effective psychopedagogical interventions for this population. In addition, the results reinforce the impact of depressive symptoms on quality of life, an association already well evidenced in the literature.

Perceived quality of life among oral health therapy and dental students: A cross‐cultural comparison

“…This corresponded with the higher stress levels experienced by senior/clinical students 8,9,42 . Findings were congruent with that of medical students and lend further support to the impact of stress on perceived QOL and emotional wellness 23,24 . Moreover, stress reduction programs had been shown to significantly improve QOL in both psychological and physical domains 46 .…”

“…8,9,42 Findings were congruent with that of medical students and lend further support to the impact of stress on perceived QOL and emotional wellness. 23,24 Moreover, stress reduction programs had been shown to significantly improve QOL in both psychological and physical domains. 46 The latter coupled with counselling and curriculum improvements should be implemented to enhance the QOL of OHT and dental students.…”

“…The WHOQOL‐BREF is available in more than 20 languages, and its validity and reliability are well established 18–20 . While there are several other QOL measures, such as the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36), EuroQoL‐5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the WHOQOL‐BREF is the most widely used for evaluating the life quality of health science students 21–26 . Despite this, the number of QOL studies relating to dental students is very limited, and none had been conducted on DHDT students 23,27–31 …”

“…[18][19][20] While there are several other QOL measures, such as the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the WHOQOL-BREF is the most widely used for evaluating the life quality of health science students. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Despite this, the number of QOL studies relating to dental students is very limited, and none had been conducted on DHDT students. 23,[27][28][29][30][31] Dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs) are important members of the contemporary dental team.…”

Predictive factors of quality of life among medical students: results from a multicentric study

“…In addition, they medical students present a high prevalence and intensity of psychosocial distress and mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, burnout syndrome, suicidal ideation and attempt, pathological sleep disorders, alcohol and drug use and abuse [3,4,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. This higher morbidity for mental disorders has a negative impact on academic and professional performance of these students [4,[28][29][30][31][32] Humanistic theory from Carl Rogers states that people are always in the process of changing and growing.…”