An Analysis of the Factors Leading to Stress in Indian Medical Students

  • Pallavi Panchu Department of Physiology, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur ‑ 680 005, Kerala, India.
  • Biju Bahuleyan Department of Physiology, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
  • Vineetha Vijayan Department of Physiology, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Keywords: Medical curriculum, medical students, medical students stress questionnaire, stress

Abstract

Background and Aim: Tertiary education, especially medical education is highly stressful and demanding as a career. Academic pressure producing stress in a student is not surprising, but this is not the only source of stress among them. A multitude of other factors namely the social environment, changes in the teaching styles may also contribute to the distressed state of the learner. These other factors that may result in the production of stress among students may compound academic‑related stress (ARS). Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the various sources of stress. Methods: Medical students stress questionnaire, a validated tool was given to 1st year MBBS students, in this cross‑sectional study. Data obtained was tabulated and analyzed using ANOVA and multivariate analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Results: ARS forms the highest stressor followed by intra‑ and inter‑personal‑related stress, least being desire and drive related stress. These stresses are high in intensity. Conclusion: To have competent medical students and thereby doctors, a stress‑free environment must be provided to them. By changing medical curriculum and making the college personnel aware of the stresses faced by the students, the intensity of stress may be alleviated.

Published
2017-03-31
How to Cite
Panchu, P., Bahuleyan, B., & Vijayan, V. (2017). An Analysis of the Factors Leading to Stress in Indian Medical Students. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Physiology, 4(1), 48-50. Retrieved from https://ijcep.org/index.php/ijcep/article/view/172