Study of perceived stress and stressors among undergraduate medical students

Abstract

Background: Recently there is growing concern about stress during undergraduate’s medical training. Undue stress may cause adverse health consequences and lowered academic performance. Objective of the study was to know perceived level of stress and its causes among undergraduate medical students.Methods: A cross sectional survey, using self-structured questionnaire, was conducted among 65 third year medical students. Questionnaires were related to socio-demographic profile, perceived stress scale [PSS] and 32 item list of stressors (grouped as health related, academic and psycho-social). Student’s responses were recorded on five point Likert scale.Results: Mean PSS score was 25.53±5.55 and was significantly higher for females. Psycho-social stressors occurred most frequently, followed by the academic causes.Conclusions: Medical undergraduates face high level of stress and the causes may be varied. They need more interaction, counselling and support from faculty to relieve their stress.

Stress and stressors in female medical and dental students at Kathmandu Medical College

“…Psycho-social stressors occurred most frequently, followed by the academic causes. 17 Thus, the study clearly shows the high prevalence of stress among female medical students not only in Nepal but also around the subcontinent. But the study was done only in our medical institute so further research in other medical colleges need to be done in vulnerable groups with larger sample size.…”