Measuring the Stressors in Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and measure the possible potential stressors among undergraduate medical students and explore the correlation of stress with gender and level of academic year.
 Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted to identify and measure possible stressors of undergraduate medical students. Data was collected from 243 medical students of Independent Medical College through a questionnaire between august and September 2016. Frequencies and percentages of level of stress were determined through descriptive analysis. Reliability of the MSSQ questionnaire was also checked for possible demographic variations.
 Findings: Study proved that the foremost cause of stress experienced by the students was associated to academics that was represented by ARS factor, showing the utmost mean degree off 2. 0453.Females perceive more stress than males in all domains but no significant correlation found on statistical analysis. Level of academic related stress remains same in all levels of academic years whereas IRS, DRS, TLRS, GARS, SRS related stress levels shows progressive reduction from first year to final year.
 Implication: Academics related stress is the leading cause of stress in undergraduate medical students, followed by stress related to interpersonal and intrapersonal factors.