The First-Year Veterinary Student and Mental Health: The Role of Common Stressors

Hafen, McArthur; Reisbig, Allison M. J.; White, Marilyn Domas; Rush, Bonnie R.

doi:10.3138/jvme.35.1.102

Cited by 90 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…Stress in academic institutions may have a positive effect by increasing self-confidence, but on the other hand, it may negatively affect health in the form of distress [4]. Studying veterinary medicine is often associated with prolonged exposure to academic and non-academic stressors such as: heavy workload [5], efforts to maintain high academic performance [6], difficulty fitting in and unclear expectations [7], hazardous alcohol consumption [8], homesickness and poorer perceived physical health [9] and financial stress [10]. Exposure to work-related stress may continue from academic settings to later veterinarian professional career.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students: A cross-sectional study

et al. 2020

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BackgroundTo the best of our knowledge, studies are lacking on burnout among veterinary students in Serbia, and this is the first study trying to address such a problem. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students. MethodsMaslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and anonymous structured questionnaire addressed to personal data, health habits and stressful influence of educational process were applied among 496 respondents from a total of 1113 students from all grades in spring semester 2014 (response rate 44.6%). ResultsThe prevalence of burnout was 43.3%. High scores on depersonalization and emotional exhaustion scales of MBI were found among 79.4% and 45.0% students, respectively; low personal accomplishment was reported by 50.5% students. Female students reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to males (p = 0.012). A low score on personal achievement scale of MBI was least frequent among the freshmen and most frequent among sophomores (41.1% and 65.3%, respectively; p = 0.986). There were more students with burnout who considered their health as a worsened vs. pre-study period compared to students with no burnout, both concerning mental (61.4% vs. 38.6%) and physical health (61.1% vs. 38.9%; both p<0.001). There were more smokers among students who suffered from burnout compared to students who did not (52.0% vs. 48.0%; p = 0.013). A multiple regression revealed an independent dose-response effect of perceived stress at exams on the onset of burnout (moderate stress OR = 2.164 and high stress OR = 3.878). Also, students with the moderate and high stressful effect of communication with teaching staff, as PLOS ONE

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students: A cross-sectional study

et al. 2020

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“…Studies using validated psychological scales have shown that UK and US veterinary students experience lower levels of wellbeing and poorer mental health than the general population [3][4][5][6] . Factors contributing to stress among US and Australian veterinary students include heavy workloads, academic worries, time pressures, work-life balance and concerns about the responsibilities of professional practice [7][8][9][10] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vocation, Belongingness, and Balance: A Qualitative Study of Veterinary Student Well-Being

Cardwell¹,

Lewis²

2017

Journal of Veterinary Medical Education

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An elevated risk for suicide among veterinarians has stimulated research into the mental health of the veterinary profession, and more recently attention has turned to the veterinary student population. This study sought to qualitatively explore UK veterinary students' perceptions and experiences of university life, and to consider how these may impact upon wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen students from a single UK school, who had been purposively selected to include male, female, graduate, widening participation and standard entry perspectives across all five years of the course. Three main themes were identified; a deep-rooted vocation, navigating belongingness and finding balance. Participants described a long-standing aim to become a veterinarian, with a determination reflected by often circuitous routes to veterinary school and little or no consideration of alternatives. Although some had been motivated by a love of animals, others were intrinsically interested in the scientific and problem-solving challenges of veterinary medicine and most expressed strong feelings of empathy with animal owners. The issue of belongingness was central to participants' experiences, with accounts reflecting their efforts to negotiate a sense of belongingness both in student and professional communities. Accounts also frequently reflected a degree of acceptance of poor balance between work and relaxation, with implications of a belief that this imbalance could be rectified later. Findings from this study support initiatives aiming to nurture a sense of collegiality among veterinary students as they progress through training and on into the profession, as well as highlighting future avenues for research.

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“…One recent study conducted in the US by Hafen et al, of 78 first-year veterinary science students found 30% of university students rated above the clinical cut-off for depression [35], whilst a large study by Eisenberg et al, of 2785 university students in the US found that that 15.6% of undergraduates tested positive for depression and/or anxiety [36]. Studies in Europe have found similar results.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical and mental health perspectives of first year undergraduate rural university students

et al. 2013

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BackgroundUniversity students are often perceived to have a privileged position in society and considered immune to ill-health and disability. There is growing evidence that a sizeable proportion experience poor physical health, and that the prevalence of psychological disorders is higher in university students than their community peers. This study examined the physical and mental health issues for first year Australian rural university students and their perception of access to available health and support services.MethodsCross-sectional study design using an online survey form based on the Adolescent Screening Questionnaire modeled on the internationally recognised HEADSS survey tool. The target audience was all first-year undergraduate students enrolled in an on-campus degree program. The response rate was 41% comprising 355 students (244 females, 111 males). Data was analysed using standard statistical techniques including descriptive and inferential statistics; and thematic analysis of the open-ended responses.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 20.2 years (SD 4.8). The majority of the students lived in on-campus residential college style accommodation, and a third combined part-time paid work with full-time study. Most students reported being in good physical health. However, on average two health conditions were reported over the past six months, with the most common being fatigue (56%), frequent headaches (26%) and allergies (24%). Mental health problems included anxiety (25%), coping difficulties (19.7%) and diagnosed depression (8%). Most respondents reported adequate access to medical doctors and support services for themselves (82%) and friends (78%). However the qualitative comments highlighted concerns about stigma, privacy and anonymity in seeking counselling.ConclusionsThe present study adds to the limited literature of physical and mental health issues as well as barriers to service utilization by rural university students. It provides useful baseline data for the development of customised support programs at rural campuses. Future research using a longitudinal research design and multi-site studies are recommended to facilitate a deeper understanding of health issues affecting rural university students.

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The First-Year Veterinary Student and Mental Health: The Role of Common Stressors

Cited by 90 publications

References 41 publications

Predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students: A cross-sectional study

Predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students: A cross-sectional study

Vocation, Belongingness, and Balance: A Qualitative Study of Veterinary Student Well-Being

Physical and mental health perspectives of first year undergraduate rural university students

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